Arsenal Have Joined the Race to Sign €100m Bundesliga Forward – Report | OneFootball

Arsenal Monitor Frankfurt Star Hugo Ekitike as Striker Hunt Continues

Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker has taken another twist, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike added to the shortlist of potential signings. As reported by Bild, the 23-year-old Frenchman is under serious consideration by the North London club as they weigh up alternatives to primary targets Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins.

The Gunners have made no secret of their intent to bring in a reliable number nine this summer, but complications have arisen across the board. With Sporting CP holding firm on Gyökeres’ release clause, RB Leipzig reluctant to sell Šeško despite renewed interest, and Aston Villa valuing Watkins at a premium, Arsenal are preparing to pivot if negotiations stall.

“If Arsenal are unable to land their primary targets, the club could make a move for Ekitike instead,” Bild reported.

Photo IMAGO

High Price Tag Reflects Growing Reputation

Ekitike’s form last season has elevated his reputation significantly. Since joining Frankfurt, he has been a revelation, registering 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. That return has not gone unnoticed, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotpsur all expressing interest in the former Paris Saint-Germain man.

Frankfurt have responded by placing a substantial price tag on their forward. “Frankfurt are reportedly demanding over €100 million for the Frenchman,” according to Bild.

While Arsenal are admirers, there is a cautiousness around committing a large portion of their budget to one player. With reinforcements also required in midfield and out wide, the feasibility of funding such a deal without sales or flexible structuring remains unclear.

Profile Suits Arteta’s Tactical Blueprint

What makes Ekitike appealing to Arsenal’s recruitment team is more than his numbers. His stylistic fit under Mikel Arteta could be seamless. As per the report, “He is known for his ability to play as a lone striker or alongside a second forward.”

Ekitike’s profile ticks many of the boxes that Arsenal value. He is fast, technical and capable of playing on the shoulder of defenders. His movement stretches backlines and opens spaces for others, while his off-the-ball awareness has developed considerably, allowing him to find gaps behind the last line.

“He uses his pace and close control to drive at defences and create chances,” Bild adds. That blend of speed and composure could offer a more dynamic option than Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz in central roles.

Financial Logic Likely to Dictate Decision

Ultimately, Arsenal’s choice may come down to value. With a sizeable spend required to elevate multiple areas of the squad, Ekitike might only become a serious option if Frankfurt lower their demands or if Arsenal fail in bids for higher-priority targets.

Still, the fact that Edu Gaspar and Arteta are exploring this avenue shows their flexibility. Ekitike’s name has now entered the conversation, and with pre-season looming, Arsenal must soon move from monitoring to making decisions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Arsenal fan, this news is genuinely exciting. Hugo Ekitike may not be the marquee name many hoped for at the start of the window, but his numbers last season speak for themselves. Scoring 22 goals and assisting 12 is elite output for a 23-year-old still developing. That’s not a fluke, that’s potential hitting lift-off.

The best part is how well he seems to fit what Arteta wants: pace, intelligent movement, and fluidity in the final third. He could play alongside Jesus or rotate with Havertz, keeping our attack unpredictable. And let’s be honest, we’ve needed a striker who runs in behind and finishes chances. Ekitike gives us that.

Sure, the €100 million fee is steep, but in this market, top young talent with proven Bundesliga pedigree does not come cheap. If we can negotiate that down or use structured payments, this feels like a smart, forward-thinking signing. It would be brave, but this could be our Gabriel Martinelli moment—spotting the next big thing just before he explodes.

Let Chelsea or Spurs talk, we should act.