Arsenal have held talks over transfer for Alexander Isak alternative amid Liverpool interest in Newcastle star

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Arsenal have held talks with intermediaries over the possibility of signing Hugo Ekitike, Arsenal Insider understands.

Ekitike is enjoying an exceptional season for Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in 23 Bundesliga starts.

This form has prompted interest from the Gunners in the Frenchman, with the North Londoners lining up potential alternatives to Alexander Isak.

Isak is Mikel Arteta’s dream signing, but developments this week suggest that Arsenal may struggle to enact a deal for the Newcastle number nine.

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Arsenal’s stance on Hugo Ekitike transfer

Alongside Benjamin Sesko, it’s well-documented that Isak is one of Arsenal’s priority targets ahead of the summer window.

The Swede has been in electric form for the Magpies this campaign, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists in the Premier League.

However, Arsenal Insider revealed this week that Liverpool are confident of signing Isak, whilst Newcastle are expected to demand in excess of £120 million for their talisman.

As a result of Liverpool’s interest and the excessive asking price, Arsenal are lining up moves for other players, with Ekitike among those they’re considering.

TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that the Gunners have initiated conversations with intermediaries about the Frankfurt youngster’s availability.

“He’s a player they’re aware of,” he said.

“They’ve been aware of him since his Reims’ days when he was first linked to England and before he first went to PSG. He’s had an excellent time at Frankfurt as we know.

“Arsenal are one of the teams who’ve spoken to intermediaries to touch base. They’re one of the clubs that have been kept informed of his situation.

“He’s potentially available this summer. It’s a World Cup year as well, do Frankfurt want to let him go? Does he want to move? He’s one under consideration.

“We know that Isak and Sesko are the main two, but Arsenal are doing their work on others.”

Some reports have suggested that Frankfurt will demand £67 million for Ekitike, whilst others believe somewhere in the region of £80 million may be needed to pry him away from the German club.

Depending on where the fee ultimately ends up, this could be what dictates Arsenal’s pursuit of the France under-21 international.

Should Arsenal sign Hugo Ekitike over Benjamin Sesko?

While Isak is the undoubted best striker on Arsenal’s list and operates in a different stratosphere to the other two, there is a debate to be had around who the better option is out of Ekitike and Sesko.

Sesko is said to be the preferred target, but his French counterpart may actually be the better player.

As shown by the data above, Ekitike takes more shots, scores more goals and accumulates more expected goals than the Slovenian.

He also boasts more impressive creative numbers and is a better dribbler.

Ultimately, the analytics suggest that the Gunners ought to be prioritising the Frankfurt man, although Arteta seems to favour Sesko.