Arsenal hold 'preliminary talks' to sign €72m Man Utd target

Cameron Smith

28 Mar 2025 02:15 CDT
4 min read

Arsenal have reportedly held “preliminary talks” to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike this summer.

The Frenchman has enjoyed a splendid campaign with the Bundesliga side, netting 19 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions, while he scored a hat-trick against England’s U21 side during the March international break.

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EXCLUSIVE: Gyokeres rejects Man Utd transfer in order to 'win trophies'

Current ETV

Hugo Ekitiké

F (C)

E. Frankfurt

Hugo Ekitiké

F (C)

E. Frankfurt

ETV Range

€38.1M - €46.6M

Arsenal were among the clubs with scouts in attendance to watch Ekitike against England, with Liverpool and Newcastle United also present in Lorient.

That is according to TBR Football, who report that Arsenal have initiated “preliminary discussions” to sign the 22-year-old as they look to bring a new centre forward to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

FootballTransfers understands that RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko remains a key target for the Gunners, while Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are also on Mikel Arteta’s radar.

However, Arsenal have now joined Manchester United in the race to sign Ekitike, who is reportedly set to cost around €72 million (£60m) during the 2025 summer transfer window.

© IMAGO - Hugo Ekitike, Eintracht Frankfurt

Arsenal challenge for Hugo Ekitike

Man Utd have emerged as key contenders to land Ekitike this summer, amid the difficulties of pursuing a deal for Victor Osimhen, although Aston Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also set to challenge for his signature, as per TBR Football.

FootballTransfers has been informed that Newcastle are indeed eager to sign Ekitike, with the France U21 international set to become one of their primary targets if the aforementioned Isak departs this summer.

The Sweden international has been tipped to leave St James’ Park amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, and although Newcastle are desperate to keep him, they are monitoring Ekitike’s situation in case they are required to sign a new centre forward.

Ekitike has four years remaining on his current contract with Eintracht Frankfurt, but Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that he is “expected to leave” this summer amid significant interest from a number of Premier League clubs.