Arsenal may have just found their alternative to signing Jonathan David amid Mikel Arteta's continued search for a new striker. It’s no secret that signing a new striker is at the top of Arsenal's list as they look to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who departed in January, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, who each see their current deals expire at the end of the season.
So, as a result, Edu has joined the race to sign Ligue 1 prodigy Hugo Ekitike, according to CalcioMercato. The 19-year-old talisman has scored nine goals in 21 league appearances this season and has averaged a better conversion rate per 90-minutes than Kylian Mbappe and Arsenal target Jonathan David.
The report claims that Ekitike, who has been valued at around £16.7m, has previously attracted the attention of Newcastle and West Ham. Though, to either of the side's misfortune, a deal for the the Reims striker failed to materialise, handing Edu a major boost.
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However, while it may seem as if the Gunners have a free run at securing Ekitike's services, Jose Mourinho has rivalled Arteta — again, like he did with Tammy Abraham — for the striker. CalcioMercato claim that Roma general manager Tiago Pinto was in Paris on Monday amid the Italian side's growing interest in the striker.
Ekitike, who's been likened to Karim Benzema, has courted a flurry of interest this season. So, our sister website the Chronicle Live spoke to French football specialist Timothe Crepin to see what all the fuss is about.
"In Benzema's style, he's not a striker who's just there to score. He participates in the game, in the actions. Whether it's back to the game, as a fulcrum," Crepin said.
"He must be careful not to cut corners. He's still young. He is someone who has great self-confidence. But you still have to be careful with that. Too bad, his injury cut him off in this tremendous momentum."
Football.london understands that David and Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak are both options being considered by the north London side ahead of the summer window. But, the pair, who are retrospectively valued at £45m and £36m, warrant — as it stands — as far bigger price tag than Ekitike, handing Edu a major dilemma.
