Hugo Ekitike remains a key transfer target for Newcastle United this summer with personal terms close to being agreed. However, until the player is pictured holding a black and white scarf at St. James' Park, any number of clubs could swoop in and seal a late deal for the winger.
Young french talents always end up being linked with Ligue 1 heavyweights PSG on their ascent to the top, and many are bound to fancy a stint at the French champions. Ekitike has been linked with Mauricio Pochettino's side since January and that interest hasn't gone away this summer.
However, the 20-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Monday, has already been asked if he gets a 'special' feeling when he comes up against the Paris outfit. While admitting he only thinks about his own performance in any game, Ekitike did admit it was 'beautiful' to come up against the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
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"It was a special match for them, because it was the event of Lionel Messi's first match, but for my part I am not feeling," Ekitike said after Reims played PSG in 2021. "When I enter a match, I take it as an opportunity to add my stone to the building.
"When I see the images again, when I ask myself, I still tell myself that I faced Messi, Mbappé, Neymar… It's beautiful and above all it makes you want to get the best out of yourself."
Ekitike has been dubbed by some in the media as the 'next Mbappe' due to his similar style of play and his ability in attack. The Reims star admits his compatriot is a player he looks up to.
"Over the past few years, the player I watch the most, who inspires me, and not necessarily only on the pitch, but also for everything he sends back, is Kylian Mbappé," he said. "It is difficult to explain. He is really a player that I observe. His game. Even if he is a side player at the start, he often plays in the lead at PSG.
"He is truly a magnificent player, who knows how to do everything. People don't realise how awesome he is. For me, that's being a top player and that's what I aspire to be. Afterwards, of course, if I find myself on the field facing him, I want to beat him.
"I try to inspire myself, without wanting to copy him, and there are other players. Karim Benzema for example. What he does is amazing. Top players and in addition French players. It's a special bond."
