Mandatory Credit: Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock (15196905u) Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt) gestures during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Eintracht Frankfurt and AFC Ajax at Deutsche Bank Park on March 13, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images) Eintracht Frankfurt v AFC Ajax - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg - Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt am Main, Germany - 13 Mar 2025
Hugo Ekitike is wanted by Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window (DeFodi Images/Shutterstock)
Arsenal have made an approach to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta’s side are in the market for a new centre-forward and have already targeted Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
However, Arsenal have been forced to explore alternative options with Newcastle demanding £150 million for the Sweden international.
According to The Sun, Ekitike has emerged as an option for Arsenal and the Gunners are among the Premier League clubs who have enquired about the 22-year-old.
The report adds that Frankfurt will demand a transfer fee in the region of £60m.
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Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich have also been keeping tabs on Ekitike, who has scored 19 goals for Frankfurt this season.
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Winter/Shutterstock (15215626ay) Hugo Ekitike of France puts his side 4-2 ahead France U21 v England U21, International Friendly, Football, Stade du Moustoir, Lorient, France - 21 Mar 2025
Hugo Ekitike scored a hat-trick against England Under-21s last Friday (Shutterstock)
Ekitike was initially signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain in February last year before the Bundesliga club made the deal permanent for €16.5m (£13.9m) last summer.
Last week, reports in Germany claimed that Frankfurt are anticipating Ekitike’s sale in the upcoming transfer window due to the amount of interest.
During the international break, Ekitike scored a hat-trick in France Under-21s’ 5-3 win over England.
In an interview earlier this month, Ekitike was asked about his former Frankfurt teammate, Omar Marmoush, who joined Manchester City in a £59m deal in the January transfer window.
‘I wouldn’t say that I miss him because we have new players who are also very, very good,’ Ekitike said.
‘I think he did everything he needed to do here. I’m happy to see him playing in England now. I try to watch his games whenever I can, especially when he’s playing.
‘I think we shared some great moments together, and I hope we can play together again or face each other soon.’
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