Hugo Ekitike shows Arsenal what they're missing out on as Mikel Arteta given transfer update

Hugo Ekitike has shown Arsenal exactly what they're missing out on. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options.

Ekitike, whose contract at the Deutsche Bank Park expires in June 2029, featured 33 times in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists. Leading Dino Toppmoller's frontline, he helped the German outfit finish third and qualify for the Champions League.

The Frenchman also fired Eintracht Frankfurt to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, netting four goals and setting up three in 12 games. His impressive performances haven't gone under the radar, with lots of top clubs said to be chasing his signature this summer.

football.london understands that Ekitike was one of four strikers on Chelsea's shortlist before they signed Liam Delap. The Blues were interested in signing him this summer, but they were not prepared to pay the 23-year-old's asking price of €100 million (£85m).

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The west Londoners eventually turned their attention to Joao Pedro, leaving the door wide open for Arsenal to swoop in. According to German outlet Bild, Ekitike has recently become a 'serious' option for the Gunners, with RB Leipzig and Sporting CP driving hard bargains for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, respectively.

While the north Londoners sweat over which striker they want to sign, the Eintracht Frankfurt star has been working hard to stay sharp ahead of the new season. On Thursday, Ekitike uploaded a couple of training videos to his Instagram story.

The Frenchman showcased his broad range of shooting with a few lovely strikes. He showed Arteta exactly what Arsenal have been missing out on.

Last month, Markus Krosche revealed that Eintracht Frankfurt are under no pressure to sell Ekitike. Speaking to Wiesbadener Kurier, the Bundesliga club's CEO said: "If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us. We don’t have to sell Hugo."

In an interview with Sky Sports back in May, Arteta promised a 'very exciting' transfer window. The Spaniard: "First of all, reviewing what we have done. Finding ways to increase the level of the team.

"Finding big margins where we can still develop our game model and our players, then putting those plans together, playing the pre-season. And then if we don't have enough from that, then it's about what do we need to recruit now to make the difference."

While Arsenal have only announced the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are expected to follow. football.london understands that the Real Sociedad playmaker and the Brentford captain are both poised to join the Gunners.

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