Arsenal’s striker hunt remains on as Ekitike emerges as contingency amid stalled pursuits. Arsenal have entered the race of striker hunt with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Moreover, the frustrations still mount in their attempts to secure primary targets Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško. The Gunners are actively seeking a marquee centre-forward this summer. But with negotiations for their top choices stalling, the 23-year-old Frenchman has emerged as a serious, albeit expensive, alternative.
Stuck on Gyökeres and Šeško
Mikel Arteta’s striker quest with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres has now ran firmly to a halt. The Swedish forward has openly pushed for a move while Sporting Club president, Frederico Varandas suggested he would take less than Gyökeres’s €100 million (£85.6m) release clause. However, Arsenal could still not agree a fee with Sporting. The same is for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. Leipzig rejected Arsenal’s first offer of around €55 million (£46.8m + £8.5m add-ons) for Šeško and they are insisting on a fee between €80-100 million (£68m-85m). This impasse has led sporting director Edu Gaspar and recruitment chief Andrea Berta to cast their nets wider.
Ekitike: The “Serious” Alternative
Reports, including *Bild* and *The Guardian*, indicated the Gunners had now joined Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United in tracking Hugo Ekitike. The French U21 is coming off a big 2024/25 season in the Bundesliga, with a combined 22 goals and 11 assists for 47 matches in all competitions, assisting Eintracht Frankfurt to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. Scouting reports identify Ekitike as a mobile, flexible forward who can generate his own chances and he can take advantage of spaces between defenders, but he can also be impatient with his finishing.
The Price Tag Problem
Frankfurt, however, have set a daunting asking price: €100 million (£85-86m). Sporting director Markus Krosche has been unequivocal: “If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us. We don’t have to sell Hugo… He’s one of the most interesting strikers on the European market“. This valuation presents a major hurdle for Arsenal, who are reportedly reluctant to meet such a figure for a player considered a secondary target. Journalist Fabrizio Romano added there are “no concrete updates” on Arsenal advancing for Ekitike yet.
Competitions and Player Stance
Liverpool appears the most advanced competitors, having reportedly held talks with Ekitike’s representatives. Meanwhile, the player himself has signalled focus on Frankfurt, posting training content ahead of their pre-season return, suggesting no imminent departure. His contract runs until 2029, giving Frankfurt immense leverage.
🚨 Arsenal have joined Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
(Source: Sport Bild) pic.twitter.com/YLeTNmX4b1
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 30, 2025
The Clock is Ticking
With pre-season training imminent and the new Premier League season just weeks away, internal pressure is mounting at Arsenal to resolve the striker situation. Charles Watts noted Arteta is likely “putting increasing pressure” on the hierarchy to act. While Ekitike is a credible fallback option, Arsenal’s preference clearly remains Gyökeres or Šeško. The coming days will be crucial. Either Arsenal compromise financially for a primary target, pivot decisively to Ekitike despite the cost, or risk starting the campaign without their coveted new number nine.
A Contingency Plan on Shaky Ground
Arsenal’s interest in Hugo Ekitike remains hypothetical and reactive for now. It is merely a contingency option as Arsenal’s primary targets, Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško, have become stagnant negotiations. The Gunners did scout the 23-year-old Frankfurt striker and identified him as a profile of interest (22 goals and 11 assists in 2024/25), however they have not moved even as far as contingency.
Final Thoughts on Ekitike
Unless Arsenal’s primary pursuits collapse and Frankfurt lower their asking price—neither currently likely—this deal appears improbable. Journalist Fabrizio Romano stressed “no concrete updates” on Arsenal’s side, while Charles Watts noted Ekitike is merely “considered,” not prioritized. With the striker contracted until 2029, Frankfurt holds all leverage. This leaves Arsenal’s interest as a fleeting, low-urgency subplot in their window.
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