Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly expect Arsenal to sign a world-class striker in the summer, perhaps a deal that Andrea Berta might be tasked with getting over the line.
Arsenal are in talks to recruit Berta following his exit from Atletico Madrid recently, a sporting director with a strong reputation across Europe.
Of course, Arsenal have been linked with the purchase of a new striker for a long-time now, it’s often been thought that the Gunners need to upgrade on Gabriel Jesus to find a better partner for Kai Havertz.
And although Arsenal might struggle to sell Jesus this summer owing to his long-term injury, the Gunners will still recruit.
Right now, Arsenal want Alexander Isak first and foremost, however, there is now a new name on their list.
Arsenal turn their attention to Hugo Ekitike at Eintracht Frankfurt
According to journalist Christopher Michel who added to info from Loic Tanzi, Arsenal are now interested in a move for Hugo Ekitike this summer.
22-year-old Ekitike has long been considered a huge talent, but he didn’t quite make the progress that many expected at Paris Saint-Germain when he made a big money move to the club in 2023.
In turn, the Frenchman left PSG to join Eintracht Frankfurt where he’s now thriving, scoring 18 goals in 34 matches.
And according to Michel and Tanzi, Ekitike is now of interest to Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham United.
The France under-21 has a release clause of €80m (£67m) at Eintracht, a fee which might appear something of a bargain when compared to the likes of Isak.
Taking to X, Michel wrote: “Will Ekitike leave in the summer? Loic Tanzi names Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham United as interested clubs.
“The “Hammers” wanted him as early as 2023. The price tag is said to be 80 million euros.”
Thierry Henry has been giving Hugo Ekitike advice
Interestingly, whilst manager of France under-21s, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry spoke about Ekitike’s situation whilst he was at PSG.
Henry seemed to suggest that the striker needed to leave the club in order to play minutes before he would be considered for the national team.
Henry said: “I called Hugo, I wanted to know where he was.
“I’m not going to tell you about our discussion. He knows what he has to do, not just what I expect, and what he has to do next – we’ll see what happens.
“It’s not easy to find yourself in this kind of situation. We must remember that a year ago everyone wanted him… the competition up front in Paris is going to be intense.”
Of course, Ekitike has now done exactly that, explaining why he’s now attracting interest across the Premier League.
