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Rival Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle reportedly have a reduced chance of beating Manchester United to the signature of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
United are on the hunt for a new and reliable striker ahead of the summer transfer window, and Ekitike is believed to be part of a list that also includes the likes of Victor Osimhen (currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli), Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Samu Aghehowa (Porto) and Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), just to mention a few names.
Ekitike recently added fuel to the ongoing speculation over his future as he admitted he was a boyhood United fan.
But the Red Devils are not the only club chasing the former Paris Saint-Germain man. He has also been linked to Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
Sky Germany have given a key update on Ekitike’s situation, indicating that United, Arsenal and Liverpool have a better chance of landing him compared to Villa and Newcastle.
The news outlet notes, “According to Sky, the Eintracht Frankfurt [star] is 99 percent likely to leave. Premier League clubs are already on the lookout, with a massive transfer fee looming.”
“Three top Premier League clubs, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, are interested in Ekitike. Aston Villa and Newcastle United, on the other hand, have little chance. Juventus is also showing interest. According to Sky, the trail to Bayern Munich is not yet hot.”
The report adds that Frankfurt want €80 million to sanction Ekitike’s sale. This would make him their second most expensive departure behind Randal Kolo Muani. He would be ahead of Omar Marmoush following his €75m (plus bonuses) move to Manchester City in January.
The 22-year-old’s contract with Frankfurt expires in 2029 but they are open to parting ways with him due to the massive profit they stand to make.
Ekitike has been in fine form for Frankfurt this season, rediscovering the kind of performances that convinced PSG to sign him from Reims in 2022.
Things didn’t go according to plan in the French capital but the towering striker reinvigorated his career with a loan spell at Frankfurt last year. Frankfurt made his stay a permanent one for €16.5m.
So far this term, Ekitike has plundered an impressive 13 goals and four assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances. He has managed 19 goals and eight assists across all competitions.
Featured image Alex Grimm via Getty Images
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