Ekitike Emerges as Arsenal’s Top Striking Target | OneFootball

Arsenal and Liverpool Tracking Hugo Ekitike Ahead of Summer Move

Striker plans in motion at the Emirates

Arsenal are stepping up plans to recruit a new striker this summer, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike emerging as a player of serious interest, according to sources close to the club. The Gunners’ intent to strengthen their frontline has been evident for some time, and with Gabriel Jesus failing to sustain his early promise, the pressure has grown on Mikel Arteta and newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta to identify a natural finisher.

While Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino have stepped up impressively in recent months, neither is seen as the long-term solution in the number nine role. Arsenal are believed to be casting a wide net in their search for a clinical frontman, and Ekitike’s performances in the Bundesliga have ensured he is now firmly on their radar.

Ekitike attracting top Premier League suitors

The Frenchman, 22, has enjoyed a breakout season following his permanent move to Frankfurt, having initially joined the club on loan. His record of 22 goals and 11 assists across all competitions has turned heads across Europe, particularly in the Premier League.

In March, TBR Football revealed that Arsenal had made contact with Frankfurt to express their interest and requested to be kept informed about Ekitike’s situation. Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa are all said to have made similar enquiries, underlining the striker’s growing appeal.

More recently, German journalist Christian Falk reported to CaughtOffside that Frankfurt have already begun preparing for life without Ekitike.

Where Ekitike ranks among Arsenal’s striker targets

Arsenal’s recent near-misses in the Premier League title race have been attributed by many to the lack of a prolific centre-forward. The 2024/25 campaign has once again seen them in contention, but without that reliable 25-30 goal striker, questions persist.

Only Sesko has netted fewer goals than Ekitike, though the two are also the youngest in the group, which speaks to their long-term potential. Gyokeres’ numbers for Sporting are staggering, and Isak’s Premier League pedigree has made him a favourite among supporters and pundits alike.

Decision time for Arsenal and Liverpool

For Arsenal, the choice is clear but not simple. Ekitike offers a blend of pace, technical skill and creativity, and at 22, still has room to grow into an elite forward. However, the £85 million price tag set by Frankfurt is steep, and with other targets on the table, a value judgement will need to be made.

Liverpool’s interest complicates matters further. With Jurgen Klopp’s side also seeking to evolve their attacking options, particularly with questions around Darwin Núñez’s consistency, Ekitike could be seen as a long-term solution at Anfield too.

This developing situation promises to be one of the major storylines of the upcoming transfer window — and with Frankfurt braced for significant offers, the Premier League giants are likely to make their moves sooner rather than later.