Andrea Berta - Arsenal - Chelsea
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Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s in-form striker Hugo Ekitike, as Mikel Arteta intensifies his efforts to recruit a prolific No. 9 ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The 23-year-old French forward enjoyed a standout season in Germany, scoring 22 goals and registering 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. His form has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe, with Arsenal now firmly in the mix following setbacks in their attempts to land other high-profile targets.
According to German outlet BILD, the Gunners have “suddenly” turned their attention to Ekitike after facing obstacles in negotiations for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, have contacted the player’s representatives to explore the terms of a potential move.
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Eintracht Frankfurt have reportedly placed a €100 million (£85 million) price tag on Ekitike, who is under contract until June 2029. That valuation reflects his growing reputation and importance to the Bundesliga side following his permanent departure from Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal - Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike (Image credit: Getty Images)
Ekitike’s versatility and style of play make him an appealing fit for Arteta’s tactical setup. Described by ESPN scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen as a dynamic and mobile forward, Ekitike excels in one-on-one situations, uses his pace effectively, and contributes creatively in the final third. Capable of operating as both a central striker and second forward, he brings the kind of attacking flexibility Arsenal have lacked in recent seasons.
However, the Gunners are not alone in their pursuit. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are all said to be tracking the France U21 international closely, with L’Équipe reporting that Chelsea have recently stepped up their efforts to lure him to Stamford Bridge.
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Arsenal’s renewed interest in Ekitike coincides with growing concerns over their attacking depth, following injury-plagued seasons for Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. While the €100m fee may prove a stumbling block, the Gunners are reportedly reassessing their striker shortlist as they look for the right mix of quality and value.
It remains unclear whether Arsenal’s interest signals a strategic pivot or a long-term plan. Earlier reports from The Athletic and David Ornstein suggested that Ekitike was not among the club’s top priorities, raising speculation that the renewed links may be influenced by the player’s camp or Frankfurt as they seek to generate wider market interest.
Still, with Arsenal eager to find a reliable source of goals ahead of a title push in 2025/26, Hugo Ekitike has now firmly entered the conversation as a potential marquee signing.
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