Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Hugo Ekitike during the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old has shone on the Bundesliga stage for the German challengers this term, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists across 26 league appearances.
As a result, the Frenchman has received some admiring glances from around Europe, including from the direction of England, where Manchester United supposedly hold an advantage in the race for the player's services.
After failing to cement a long-term future at French giants Paris Saint-Germain, Ekitike moved to Eintracht Frankfurt on an initial loan deal in January 2024.
Signing permanently for Dino Toppmoller's men last summer, the youngster has proved a valuable addition, netting 19 goals across all competitions in 2024-25 so far.
© Imago
Arsenal join Man United, Liverpool in Ekitike pursuit?
According to Sky Sports News - as per The Mirror - Arsenal have added another striking option to their ballooning shortlist ahead of the summer trading point.
The report states that Mikel Arteta's Gunners are keen on securing the services of Eintracht Frankfurt man Ekitike before the commencement of the 2025-26 term.
Arsenal are supposedly not alone in their fondness of the France Under-21s international, with fellow Premier League outfits Man United and Liverpool in the mix for the talent.
As well as a trio of clubs on the British Isles, there is also reportedly interest for Ekitike from Italy in the form of Serie A giants Juventus.
With a rich history of selling top strikers for significant fees - the most recent of those being Omar Marmoush for £60m to Manchester City - Eintracht Frankfurt are said to be aiming to pocket £66m from the sale of the 22-year-old.
© Imago
Who else could Arsenal sign this summer?
Despite midfielder Mikel Merino stepping up to the goalscoring plate in recent times, there is a general consensus that Arsenal need a world-class central striker to realise their ambitions of winning major trophies.
The Gunners have been linked to a host of eye-catching names ahead of the summer transfer window, including Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak.
You would have to assume that Ekitike falls below the aforementioned quartet in Arsenal's preferences, although the Frenchman represents a capable backup option.
Ekitike could endear himself to the Emirates faithful as early as next month, when Eintracht Frankfurt battle Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Carter White
