Eintracht Frankfurt are keen to make Hugo Ekitike the most expensive player sale in the club’s history as Europe’s elite clubs continue to monitor the French striker.
Ekitike, who has been impressive this season, has caught the attention of Europe’s elite in the lead-up to what promises to be a summer dominated by centre-forward transfers.
Almost every top-tier club in Europe is on the lookout for a reliable central goalscorer.
Arsenal, in particular, are desperate for a striker and have been linked with the Frenchman.
Liverpool, alongside Manchester United and Newcastle United, is also part of the growing list of suitors.
The 22-year-old was initially seen as a potentially more affordable option compared to other high-demand forwards in Europe.
However, Frankfurt are hoping to fetch €100m (£86.5m) for their prized asset, according to SPORT BILD.
In the past week, scouts from four Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle – were reportedly in attendance to watch Ekitike in action.
The talent spotters witnessed the French forward’s performance against Tottenham Hotspur, where Ekitike put up a strong fight against Spurs’ defensive duo of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Ekitike opened the scoring with a clinical finish into the bottom corner as Frankfurt secured a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Frankfurt are enjoying an excellent season.
After earning a reputation as a formidable cup team, the 2022 Europa League champions are on track to achieve their best Bundesliga finish in over three decades.
Ekitike’s impressive goal-scoring form, which includes a brace against Heidenheim on Sunday, has been a key factor in their success.
However, the French striker is not alone in his success; he is surrounded by talented teammates, many of whom were brought in with funds generated through Frankfurt’s astute recruitment strategy.
The club, while open to selling their best players, are holding out for the right price.
Over the past two years, only three top-flight clubs in the world have earned more from player sales than Frankfurt.
Omar Marmoush’s move to Manchester City earlier this year brought in €75m (£64.8m), but Frankfurt are now seeking a higher fee for Ekitike.
With the financial boost provided by Champions League qualification, the Bundesliga outfit are looking to break their transfer record.
They hope to surpass the €95m (£82.1m) fee they received for Randal Kolo Muani when he joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Read more: Man City’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz hits roadblock
Real Madrid eye Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister
Arne Slot unfazed by where Liverpool clinch Premier League title
