Hugo Ekitike to Arsenal transfer twist hints at Alexander Isak development

It has been no secret this summer that Arsenal are looking to strengthen their strikeforce with a new centre-forward as they look to bridge the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

Viktor Gyokeres has dominated the rhetoric in recent days with an agreement with the player thought to have been reached some time ago. However, Sporting have become a thorn in the Gunners’ side as they attempt to drain as much value out of the deal as possible this summer.

As such, while Arsenal will likely feel confident they can bring Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium, they must keep an eye on the market for alternatives. One such alternative is Eintracht Frankfurt’s talisman Hugo Ekitike.

Fitting the profile of striker that Mikel Arteta wants to lead the line, Ekitike has attracted interest thanks to his performances in the Bundesliga. But, Frankfurt have been adamant that they would need a bid of £85m to be received before they are willing to agree a transfer for the 23-year-old.

The Gunners have remained on the peripheries with their interest in Ekitike this summer but if they were to formalise that interest, there could be one team they need to overcome. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United are showing a strong interest in the Frenchman having previously attempted to sign the striker before he joined PSG in 2022.

Hugo Ekitike celebrates scoring for Eintracht Frankfurt (Image: Getty)

Instead, Alexander Isak was signed, and that is where the quandary presents itself. If Newcastle are looking at splashing £85m on Ekitike, does this mean their dangerous Swedish striker could be preparing to leave at some point in the future?

The Magpies and Eddie Howe simply cannot justify spending an audacious amount of money on Ekitike just to have him play back-up to Isak. Football.londonunderstands that the Swede was always the dream option for Arsenal this summer, but a transfer never seemed viable.

However, if Newcastle complete a deal for Ekitike, surely there could be a world in which there is movement on Isak’s position at St James’ Park and Arsenal may look to capitalise.