Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike is reportedly one of the strikers Arsenal are looking at ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old has been in decent form in Germany since moving from PSG, scoring 19 goals in 38 appearances this season. The Frenchman has really come into his own this campaign and, as a result, is being linked with a move away from the Bundesliga.
According to The Sun, several Premier League clubs are keen on Ekitike with Frankfurt set to demand around £60million for the player. Arsenal are said to admire Ekitike and may look to make a move in the coming months. football.london understands Arsenal will look to sign a striker this summer as Mikel Arteta wants to further improve the squad for the 2025/26 season.
With the amount of money involved, though, it's vital whoever the Gunners sign hits the ground running and starts scoring goals immediately. Judging by Ekitike's past comments, the striker is more than aware of this.
The frontman was linked with a move to Newcastle in 2022 but ultimately decided to join PSG, although he struggled for form with the French giants. Asked if he believed he made a mistake joining PSG instead of moving to the Premier League, in an interview with Canal+ as reported by Foot Mercato, Ekitike was clear in his thoughts.
“No, I know why I came here. Of course, when you arrive at a club like this, there are a lot of expectations," the striker said.
“People are waiting for performances and inevitably, if they don’t come, people will naturally ask questions. Me, I play in a position where I will always be questioned, especially because I came with a big transfer fee.
“This (expectation due to the transfer fee) I have to accept it and I do. It’s not a concern. If I play badly I’ll be the first to say it. If I play well, I’ll be there too and I’ll continue to be good.”
Judging by these comments, Ekitike already knows the pressure he would face should he move to Arsenal this summer. With the Gunners likely competing on all four fronts in 2025/26, that only bodes well if Ekitike does indeed make the move to Emirates Stadium.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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