Tottenham have joined Arsenal and West Ham United in the chase for Hugo Ekitike, with the French youngster’s stock rising after impressive performances this season.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport via Sport Witness, there is significant interest in French youngster Hugo Ekitike, which continues to grow in stature. Tottenham are the latest team to enter the chase for the Reims striker, with Arsenal and West Ham United already in the hunt for him.
Hugo Ekitike was an unknown quantity until the end of the January transfer window when several clubs scrambled for his signature. Having been promoted to the French club’s senior squad back in July, the Reims striker has managed to post impressive numbers that have attracted plenty of interest from across Europe.
English clubs, in particular, are keen on bringing the 19-year-old to the Premier League. Newcastle United saw a late approach in January fall through, while West Ham United baulked at Reims’ demands for the striker.
The scenario is expected to change during the summer, with Reims likely to accept a reasonable offer from suitors. The Ligue 1 side have a €20 million fee in mind, although if Ekitike continues with his high-level performances, the price could certainly rise further.
While Newcastle United retain an interest, others are expected to join the chase and make it a real battle in the summer window. Tottenham are the latest club to express their fondness for the striker, with the north Londoners pondering whether to make an offer.
A proposal will certainly depend on the future of Harry Kane, who has been urged to leave Tottenham this summer. With the England captain’s future hanging by a thread, Spurs may want to start planning for the future. Ekitike may not be a like-for-like replacement for Kane, but the Frenchman could certainly become a key player for the future, although for now may be viewed as an able backup.
Ekitike also has interest from other London clubs, including Arsenal, who have already scouted the striker. The Gunners want to bring one or two strikers and could be looking at Ekitike as a decent backup to the main forward they might sign in the summer. He could be part of the exciting young team Mikel Arteta is building.
However, the team that may need Ekitike more than the others could be West Ham. The Hammers have been struggling to bring in a striker and even failed with their pursuit of the teenager in January. David Moyes’s priority is to ease the burden on Michail Antonio, who has marshalled the frontline in all competitions this season.
Also Read: Three strikers Arsenal should consider in the summer
Ekitike is likely to be one of the most in-demand players during the next window and could lead to a scramble between the three Premier League teams.