Arsenal Monitor Frankfurt Star Hugo Ekitike as Striker Hunt Continues
Arsenal’s pursuit of a brand new striker has taken one other twist, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike added to the shortlist of potential signings. As reported by , the 23-year-old Frenchman is underneath severe consideration by the North London membership as they weigh up options to main targets Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins.
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The Gunners have made no secret of their intent to herald a dependable quantity 9 this summer time, however problems have arisen throughout the board. With Sporting CP holding agency on Gyökeres’ launch clause, RB Leipzig reluctant to promote Šeško regardless of renewed curiosity, and Aston Villa valuing Watkins at a premium, Arsenal are getting ready to pivot if negotiations stall.
“If Arsenal are unable to land their main targets, the membership might make a transfer for Ekitike as a substitute,” Bild reported.
Photograph IMAGO
Excessive Worth Tag Displays Rising Popularity
Ekitike’s kind final season has elevated his status considerably. Since becoming a member of Frankfurt, he has been a revelation, registering 22 objectives and 12 assists in all competitions. That return has not gone unnoticed, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotpsur all expressing curiosity within the former Paris Saint-Germain man.
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Frankfurt have responded by inserting a considerable price ticket on their ahead. “Frankfurt are reportedly demanding over €100 million for the Frenchman,” in response to Bild.
Whereas Arsenal are admirers, there’s a cautiousness round committing a big portion of their price range to 1 participant. With reinforcements additionally required in midfield and out extensive, the feasibility of funding such a deal with out gross sales or versatile structuring stays unclear.
Profile Fits Arteta’s Tactical Blueprint
What makes Ekitike interesting to Arsenal’s recruitment crew is greater than his numbers. His stylistic match underneath Mikel Arteta could possibly be seamless. As per the report, “He’s recognized for his capacity to play as a lone striker or alongside a second ahead.”
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Ekitike’s profile ticks lots of the containers that Arsenal worth. He’s quick, technical and able to taking part in on the shoulder of defenders. His motion stretches backlines and opens areas for others, whereas his off-the-ball consciousness has developed significantly, permitting him to search out gaps behind the final line.
“He makes use of his tempo and shut management to drive at defences and create probabilities,” Bild provides. That mix of pace and composure might supply a extra dynamic possibility than Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz in central roles.
Monetary Logic Prone to Dictate Determination
In the end, Arsenal’s alternative could come all the way down to worth. With a sizeable spend required to raise a number of areas of the squad, Ekitike may solely turn out to be a severe possibility if Frankfurt decrease their calls for or if Arsenal fail in bids for higher-priority targets.
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Nonetheless, the truth that Edu Gaspar and Arteta are exploring this avenue reveals their flexibility. Ekitike’s title has now entered the dialog, and with pre-season looming, Arsenal should quickly transfer from monitoring to creating selections.
Our View – EPL Index Evaluation
As an Arsenal fan, this information is genuinely thrilling. Hugo Ekitike will not be the marquee title many hoped for in the beginning of the window, however his numbers final season communicate for themselves. Scoring 22 objectives and aiding 12 is elite output for a 23-year-old nonetheless creating. That’s not a fluke, that’s potential hitting lift-off.
One of the best half is how properly he appears to suit what Arteta desires: tempo, clever motion, and fluidity within the last third. He might play alongside Jesus or rotate with Havertz, maintaining our assault unpredictable. And let’s be sincere, we’ve wanted a striker who runs in behind and finishes probabilities. Ekitike offers us that.
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Positive, the €100 million payment is steep, however on this market, high younger expertise with confirmed Bundesliga pedigree doesn’t come low-cost. If we will negotiate that down or use structured funds, this appears like a wise, forward-thinking signing. It might be courageous, however this could possibly be our Gabriel Martinelli second—recognizing the subsequent massive factor simply earlier than he explodes.
Let Chelsea or Spurs speak, we should always act.