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Arsenal are in danger of missing out on one of their key striker targets, with Chelsea emerging as frontrunners to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, according to reports from RMC Sport.
The 22-year-old French forward has enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga, scoring 22 goals and playing a crucial role in Frankfurt’s qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. His performances have attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
Frankfurt are reportedly open to letting Ekitike leave this summer if their valuation is met, and negotiations with Chelsea are said to be already underway. New Blues manager Enzo Maresca is believed to be a strong admirer of the former Paris Saint-Germain striker and has placed him high on his summer shortlist.
READ MORE: Arsenal slap £60m price tag on wantaway player amid growing interest
Despite initial interest from Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s side appear to have shifted focus to other striker options as the summer transfer window approaches. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Gunners have now narrowed their search for a new No. 9 to two main targets: Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško.
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Arteta is reportedly keen on adding a proven goalscorer to his frontline, with current options Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus viewed as lacking the cutting edge required for a sustained title challenge. While a number of forwards—including Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Manchester City academy product Liam Delap—have been linked in recent months, Arsenal now appear set to pursue either Gyökeres or Šeško as their priority.
Speaking during a Q&A session, Ornstein confirmed the club’s focus: “It seems Arsenal are deciding between which of those two strikers to pursue as their preferred target. There are naturally pros and cons, but I must say Gyökeres and Šeško are elite number nines who would be outstanding signings. This should bring some excitement to the Arsenal fanbase—if one of them is signed!”
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