Manchester United are reportedly interested in French prodigy Hugo Ekitike, who is attracting clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle United.
According to ESPN, Manchester United are keen on signing Hugo Ekitike, with the club targetting emerging strikers in the next transfer window. Erik ten Hag wants the Red Devils to bring in at least two centre-forwards in the summer, and the 19-year-old Frenchman could fit the bill at Old Trafford.
Newcastle United tried their best to lure French teenage sensation Hugo Ekitike in the January transfer window but failed to sign the Stade de Reims striker. The Ligue 1 outfit were uninterested in letting Ekitike leave in the middle of the season and demanded a big asking price to ward off the Magpies and other Premier League clubs.
According to ESPN, Ekitike could be available for as low as €15 million in the summer, which is puzzling considering he will have two more years to run on his contract at Reims. The French club could demand significantly more for their teenage star, and Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Newcastle, and Arsenal could again be on the hunt.
London clubs Tottenham, West Ham United, and Arsenal are all interested in signing Ekitike in the summer. The Gunners, in particular, are keen to sign a few strikers in the window, and the Frenchman could be a possible replacement for Eddie Nketiah, who is linked with a Bosman move to Crystal Palace.
Mikel Arteta will target a more high profile centre-forward to replace Alexandre Lacazette. Hence, the interest in Ekitike could be concrete. However, Newcastle United retain an interest in the striker since January and could make a concrete offer to lure him in.
To compete with Arsenal and Newcastle, Manchester United have joined the chase in a big way. Ralf Rangnick recently suggested the the Red Devils should sign at least two strikers in the next window to strengthen the squad. The Manchester United interim boss placed emphasis on bringing in up and coming players over established stars.
Ekitike fits the requirement and could play a decent role by playing with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford next season. The €15 million-rated French forward could be the ideal acquisition to build the long-term core, especially for the price he is reportedly available at.
Ekitike has scored nine goals in 21 Ligue 1 appearances for Reims this term, which is impressive considering his age and future prospects. However, the final decision on making an approach will have to come from Erik ten hag, who will assume his role as Manchester United’s new manager after finishing the season with Ajax.
The Dutch manager has been afforded plenty of say in transfer decisions at Manchester United and will be presented with a list of potential targets. In addition to Ekitike, ten Hag could add a few names on his own, and the idea of signing Ekitike could rely on his preference.
Also Read: Three strikers Arsenal should consider in the summer
According to ESPN, Manchester United have submitted an enquiry for Ekitike, and the player could be tempted to move, although Arsenal could potentially offer him Champions League football, which could be a drawback for the Red Devils and Newcastle United in pursuit of the €15 million-rated Frenchman.
