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Ekitiké’s Price Skyrockets: Arsenal Among Premier League Clubs Eyeing €100m Move

Hugo Ekitiké’s name has long been on the radar of top clubs across Europe, but after a stunning performance in the Europa League quarter-final against Tottenham, Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly ready to demand a staggering £86million for the Frenchman. As Bild reports, the striker has now hit the magical 20-goal mark this season, and his decisive strike in North London has only amplified the buzz around him.

That goal—described by head coach Dino Toppmöller as “outstanding”—is said to have caught the eyes of high-ranking scouts and executives from Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Arsenal. According to Bild, even “those responsible from the management level” at United were in the stadium, an indication of just how hot Ekitiké’s stock has become.

Photo: IMAGO

Frankfurt Looking to Break Transfer Records

Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krösche is reportedly prepared to hold firm on a fee that mirrors Randal Kolo Muani’s €95 million move to PSG in 2023. As Bild explains, the club initially valued Ekitiké around €80 million, but recent performances and increased Premier League interest have pushed that valuation closer to €100 million.

That fee would not only represent a record sale for Frankfurt but could make Ekitiké the third most expensive departure in Bundesliga history, trailing only behind Jude Bellingham (€113m) and Ousmane Dembélé (€135m). Frankfurt are reportedly “internally speculating” that this could be their first-ever €100m transfer.

Premier League Interest Intensifies

For Arsenal, who have quietly been watching the striker’s progress, this latest development complicates matters. The North London club are known to be in the market for a forward who brings a physical presence and killer instinct inside the box. Ekitiké, standing at 1.90m, has shown he can score in big moments and fits the modern striker mould.

Former Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush’s current success at Manchester City—scoring six goals in 10 appearances—is also being cited as evidence that Eintracht players can transition well into English football.

As Bild states, “With Alexander Isak also on the market at €100 million, Frankfurt view Ekitiké—three years younger—as the more valuable long-term investment.”

Photo IMAGO

Ekitiké’s X-Factor Drawing Attention

Jan Åge Fjørtoft, Eintracht legend and now a pundit well-versed in English football, gave glowing praise for the French striker’s ability to captivate an audience: “He has star charisma… something the Premier League welcomes with open arms.”

His manager echoed the sentiment: “He has the self-image of an absolute top striker. With his quality, the defender can’t adjust to what’s next.” That unpredictability, combined with technical prowess and physical strength, is exactly what many Premier League sides are lacking upfront.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Arsenal supporter, it’s hard not to feel a mix of scepticism and excitement. Ekitiké undoubtedly has flair, presence, and potential, but €100 million? That’s a massive leap of faith—especially for a player whose consistency across multiple seasons is still up for debate.

Yes, he scored against Tottenham, and yes, he’s got 20 goals this season—but so did Nicolas Pépé in Ligue 1, and we all know how that turned out. The Premier League is unforgiving, and while Ekitiké may have the “star charisma” to shine under the lights, he also hasn’t yet proven himself in a top-five league over an extended period. His stint at PSG wasn’t exactly memorable.

Then there’s the price tag. Arsenal are not known to splash €100 million on a single player lightly. If we’re shopping in that bracket, fans might prefer someone with more experience or someone who’s already adapted to the rigours of English football. Alexander Isak, for instance, offers that and is already Premier League-tested.

And what of our current squad? Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and even Trossard have all been asked to fill in centrally—should we not focus on maximising what we already have before gambling on another project striker?

At this price, Ekitiké looks more like a Newcastle or Manchester United signing—clubs willing to spend big and figure the rest out later. For Arsenal, this would be a bold, possibly reckless move unless the club has inside knowledge of something truly special.

Still, if Mikel Arteta and Edu believe he’s the missing piece, fans will need to trust the process. Just don’t be surprised if we see another club flash the cash first.