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Arsenal’s ‘unbelievable’ £87m striker target could yet stay at his club instead of leaving
TBR Football understands that while Hugo Ekitike is attracting plenty of Premier League interest, the Frenchman still has a strong chance of remaining at Frankfurt next season.
Frankfurt reportedly believe Ekitike is now worth £87 million and the German club are quite keen to keep him for the next campaign.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Ekitike as Andrea Berta searches for a new striker to bring to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
Meanwhile, Newcastle and Liverpool have also shown an interest in Ekitike, but there is a sense that a move might not be quite as certain as has been suggested.
Why Hugo Ekitike could stay at Frankfurt this summer
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey believes that Hugo Ekitike staying at Frankfurt this summer would not be a major surprise.
The German club are in no major rush to sell with an expectation that they will be in the Champions League next term and having just sold Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for £59m.
The 22-year-old has been one of the top strikers in Europe this season having netted 21 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.
| Competiton | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Bundesliga | 28 | 14 | 5 |
| Europa League | 11 | 3 | 3 |
| DFB Cup | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 42 | 21 | 9 |
Arsenal had scouts in attendance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last week and most likely would have had eyes on the Frenchman.
Bailey told TBR Football: “When Berta came in, obviously they were looking at the (striker) situation and he’s one of the newer names on the list who’s been producing good reports along with the likes of (Victor) Osimhen and (Benjamin) Sesko.
“But Ekitike is one who’s attracted a lot of interest. From Frankfurt’s point of view, they think they’re going to qualify for the Champions League and don’t think they’ll sell both Hugos (Larsson and Ekiteke).
“It wouldn’t shock me if Ekitike stayed for another season, but it depends on Premier League interest. Newcastle could go for him if they lose Isak. If you remember, Newcastle were the first Premier League club to move for Ekitike.”
“Is he top of anyone’s list? He’s not top of Liverpool’s list, Arsenal like him a lot but he won’t be cheap. Let’s see where Frankfurt finish, they aren’t desperate to sell him this season.”
Hugo Ekitike sent warning by French national team
Ekitike is highly rated by Didier Deschamps and his staff at the French national team, however, he will be advised to make sure he is playing regular football.
Next season, players will be gearing up for the 2026 World Cup and will have that firmly in their minds summer when they are preparing to make moves.
The striker is currently playing regular football in Germany and whilst he would likely be Mikel Arteta’s first choice number nine at Arsenal, there is no guarantee at this stage over regular minutes in North London.
“We’re also in a World Cup year now, can he go to Arsenal and guarantee 20 games at Arsenal, as good as we think he is – I don’t think that can be guaranteed,” added Bailey.
“He’ll be warned, although (Didier) Deschamps and his team like him a lot if he’s sat on the bench in the Premier League somewhere he won’t be going to the World Cup next summer.”