Report: Arsenal ‘considering’ move to sign 22-year-old striker | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Ekitike as Striker Search Intensifies Ahead of Summer Window

As the season moves into its final stretch, Arsenal’s thoughts are turning to the future—and more specifically, to goals. The Gunners’ pursuit of attacking reinforcement has taken another twist, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike reportedly identified as a serious alternative to Alexander Isak.

According to The Mirror, Mikel Arteta is a long-time admirer of Ekitike’s raw potential and positional versatility, with the French striker enjoying a standout season in the Bundesliga. He has netted 13 league goals and added six more in cup competitions, proving instrumental in Frankfurt’s surge towards Champions League qualification.

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Ekitike fits Arteta’s forward-thinking profile

At 22, Ekitike aligns perfectly with the profile of Arsenal’s recruitment department, now spearheaded by Andrea Berta, who has frequently favoured—young, tactically intelligent footballers. He’s averaging a goal contribution every 106 minutes in all competitions, a figure that would certainly complement a frontline still searching for a consistent end product.

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While Ekitike’s time at PSG didn’t ignite, the move to Frankfurt has been transformational. As The Mirror notes, “he has been far more productive this season,” and looks every bit the striker Arsenal could shape into a Premier League force.

Transfer fee mirrors past investments

However, talent comes at a cost. Frankfurt are reportedly demanding £66 million—roughly the same fee Arsenal paid for Kai Havertz from Chelsea. With Manchester United, Liverpool and Juventus also circling, the Gunners face a familiar dilemma: pay the premium now or risk missing out entirely.

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Frankfurt’s strategy is clear. They sold Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for £60 million in January and see Ekitike as the next big-money exit. He would become the club’s fifth striker in six years to command over £40 million, following in the footsteps of Randal Kolo Muani, Luka Jovic and Sebastien Haller.

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Berta era begins with intent

Andrea Berta’s arrival as sporting director could be the catalyst Arsenal need. His vision is bold, his contacts vast, and his ambition palpable. Upon joining, he said:“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team.”

That future, it seems, may include Ekitike—if Arsenal are prepared to strike early.

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Ekitike clearly has quality, and his numbers in Germany are encouraging. But £66 million? That’s a hefty sum for a player who didn’t quite make the grade at PSG and has only had one truly prolific season.

We’ve seen this script before. Young striker, a big fee, potential over proven. It’s exciting—but risky. Is this the missing piece of the puzzle, or another hopeful punt that could stall the project?

There’s also the growing anxiety that Arsenal are being linked with everyone but still waiting to land a truly elite forward. Isak might be out of reach, but fans want someone who’s already done it at the top level—not just someone who might.

Still, if Berta believes in the move and Arteta signs off, you have to trust the process. But this one feels like a crossroads moment. Go bold, or go back to the drawing board.