Premier League heavyweights Arsenal have held initial talks regarding a move for 22-year-old Frenchman Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Hugo Ekitike is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are scouring the market for a striker heading into the summer transfer window and have held introductory talks over a possible move for the Eintracht Frankfurt. In addition, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have “asked to be kept up to date” on the Frenchman’s situation.

Hugo Ekitike and his Bundesliga resurgence

Hugo Ekitike has resurrected his stuttering career since joining Eintracht Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain. The French striker had hit a brick wall after moving to Parc des Princes from Stade de Reims. However, the move to the Bundesliga has brought the best out of him, with Die Adler initially signing him on loan in February 2024 before completing a permanent deal in the subsequent summer transfer window.

Ekitike has been excellent in his first full season with Eintracht Frankfurt, contributing to 28 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions by finding the back of the net 19 times and providing eight assists. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs with his exploits for the Bundesliga outfit. Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

A man in demand

Arsenal will dip into the market for a striker in the summer transfer window after seeing Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz blow hot and cold in front of the goal. So, Ekitike has emerged as a viable target for Arsenal, with the North London club holding preliminary talks to discuss a move.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s interest in Hugo Ekitike is understandable. Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota face an uncertain future at Anfield, with the latter struggling with fitness issues and the former being too inconsistent for his own good. So, the young Frenchman is an option worth considering for Liverpool. As for Newcastle United, Callum Wilson will likely depart from St. James’ Park this summer.

So, Newcastle United can do with a striker, with Ekitike emerging as a viable target. Finally, Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the 22-year-old Frenchman is perplexing, considering they broke the bank to sign Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth last summer. So, coughing up £70 million to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt striker will not be a sensible move for Tottenham.

However, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle United can afford to fork out £70 million to secure the French striker’s services. It will be interesting to see if any suitor will meet Eintracht Frankfurt’s valuation of £70 million to land the highly-rated attacker.