Arsenal are keen on recruiting the services of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike during the next summer transfer window, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
The Gunners want to bolster their attack after failing to sign players last month, and the Bundesliga star has emerged as a target.
However, Arsenal will face competition from West Ham United and Liverpool for Ekitike and will need to part with at least €80 million to have a chance of landing him.
Frankfurt want to make the 22-year-old their next big sale but would ideally prefer to sell him in the summer of 2026.
The Arsenal target initially joined them on loan from Paris Saint-Germain a year ago before the deal was made permanent last summer, and he has since notched 17 goals and six assists in 32 appearances so far this term.
Ekitike played alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at PSG, with the Argentine taking him under his wings and showing his admiration for him by nicknaming him ‘the iron rod’ due to his body frame.
He has improved significantly over the past 12 months, attracting Arsenal and other suitors, and a move to the Premier League could appeal to him.
The Gunners have a couple of striking targets on their radar, but going after a young player with a resale value could appeal to them, and the Frenchman fits the bill given his huge potential.
Apart from his excellent finishing abilities, Ekitike is also a brilliant dribbler who is capable of holding on to the ball and delivering perfect passes, while he is also an aerial threat due to his 6ft 3in height.
He wants to remain in the Bundesliga having established himself as a starter at Frankfurt following a frustrating time on the PSG bench, and Arsenal may need to offer him an assurance of regular playing opportunities for him to be tempted to join them.
