Manchester United are in danger of being dragged into a battle with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal for the acquisition of Hugo Ekitike as the Eintracht Frankfurt star is being eyed by influential figures at Old Trafford, Anfield and the Emirates Stadium ahead of the summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Although the Red Devils forked out £36.5million to secure Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna less than 12 months ago, providing them with a fresh attacking option, head coach Ruben Amorim is threatening to go toe-to-toe with Reds chief Arne Slot and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta when the transfer window reopens.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is continuing to make his mark behind the scenes at Manchester United, with ambitious plans being announced to build a new 100,000-seater stadium, and there is determination to improve the squad even if it means fighting with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal for an agreement.
Widespread Premier League Interest in Ekitike
Frenchman could be sold for higher figure than initially expected
Hugo Ekitike in action for Eintracht Frankfurt
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are facing the prospect of a bidding war for Ekitike's services, according to GMS sources, as widespread interest has resulted in Eintracht Frankfurt being increasingly confident of being able to recoup a higher figure than they were initially seeking.
The Bundesliga outfit are heading into the summer transfer window in a strong negotiating position as the striker still has four years remaining on a contract which allows him to pocket in excess of £80,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, complicating matters for Amorim, Slot and Arteta as they seek further firepower heading into next term.
Although GMS sources have been informed that £60million has been seen as a figure that may be enough to tempt Eintracht Frankfurt into cashing in on Ekitike - who has been productive in the final third of the pitch throughout the season - Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal could see the demands rise in a key twist if more suitors become engaged.
Hugo Ekitike's statistics for Eintracht Frankfurt this season
The former Paris Saint-Germain frontman bagged a hat-trick for France's under-21 side against England during the international break last month and has given the Red Devils fresh hope of winning the race for an agreement by admitting he supported them when growing up, but he is still being eyed on Merseyside and in north London.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are not the only Premier League sides showing interest in Ekitike as plans are put in place by recruitment departments ahead of having the opportunity to pounce, as GMS sources have learned that Newcastle United and West Ham United are also monitoring his situation.
Red Devils Admire Ekitike Due to Prolific Form
Amorim wants to fight off competition for 22-year-old's signature
Hugo Ekitike applauding the Eintracht Frankfurt supporters
GMS sources have been told that Manchester United are firm admirers of Ekitike due to his prolific form, resulting in them being eager to overcome competition from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, but there is confidence that he will continue being linked with numerous European big-hitters during the final weeks of the campaign.
The 22-year-old, who has been described as 'a mix of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe' by Wesley Sneijder, has spearheaded Eintracht Frankfurt towards a Champions League qualification berth despite seeing strike partner Omar Marmoush head through the exit door during the winter transfer window.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal believe that Ekitike's current employers are trying to create a bidding war, GMS sources understand, but there remains some doubt among insiders over whether there will be genuine offers due to concerns over his lofty price tag increasing in the coming months.
MixCollage-06-Mar-2025-06-43-PM-7317 Related
'World-Class' Star Promised to Join Man Utd, Now in Talks With Arsenal
Viktor Gyokeres 'gave his word' to Ruben Amorim over Man Utd move, but he's now in talks with Arsenal.
GMS sources recently revealed that Amorim is facing a significant stumbling block in his pursuit of the marksman as the Red Devils will not be able to meet Eintracht Frankfurt's demands unless they raise enough funds through departures or there is a willingness to drop his valuation.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 01/04/2025
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox