Unfortunately for Arsenal and Liverpool, it appears as if Alexander Isak won’t be available this summer.
In an ideal world, Arsenal and Liverpool would both like to steal Isak from Newcastle United, but the Sweden international is now expected to stay at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s side have qualified for Champions League football next season and Newcastle want to give Isak a new contract.
Therefore, both Andrea Berta and Richard Hughes, Arsenal and Liverpool’s sporting directors respectively, are on the hunt for Isak alternatives.
And given the lack of world-class strikers available right now, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has emerged as one of the most exciting names on the market.
Liverpool are pushing to sign Ekitike right now, and Arsenal could be missing a trick.
Arsenal should steal Hugo Ekitike signing from Liverpool
As Liverpool step up their efforts to tempt Ekitike to Anfield, it appears as if Arsenal are trying to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
And whilst Gyokeres is an excellent striker in his own right, Ekitike is a much more exciting option when looking long-term.
At 22-years-old, Ekitike is showing so much potential as a complete striker, someone who can link play, run in behind and also dominate the box.
Photo by Harry Murphy - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images
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And in terms of Arsenal’s search for a striker, it does appear as if the Frenchman is better suited to Mikel Arteta’s plans than Gyokeres.
Gyokeres is exceptional in transition, a striker who thrives with room to run — but that’s simply not a situation that he’ll enjoy too often in north London.
Ekitike is a much more versatile option, he can benefit Arsenal in all phases of play.
And in terms of endearing himself to Arsenal fans, he’s already scored against Tottenham Hotspur in Europe.
Viktor Gyokeres is not the right striker for Arsenal
Of course, it’s worth pointing out that Arsenal have also spoken to Ekitike, even if their focus appears to be elsewhere right now.
It’s currently believed that it will be one of Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko that heads to north London — two powerful strikers.
But perhaps £84m-rated Ekitike is still the most well-rounded option on the market, he’s stylistically similar to Isak and still has a lot of potential to improve.
Gyokeres on the other hand presents a different skill-set, one that doesn’t perfectly marry to Arsenal’s plans as explained.
Perhaps Sesko might also be a more appealing alternative to Gyokeres, but it’s undoubtedly Ekitike who should be top of both Arsenal and Liverpool’s list.
And following Liverpool’s deal for Florian Wirtz, Arsenal can’t allow their Premier League rivals to nab Ekitike, too.