Report: Arsenal and Tottenham step up interest in Hugo Ekitike

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Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle all had scouts in attendance to watch Hugo Ekitike score at the weekend days after the Magpies failed in a deadline day bid for the striker, according to a report from 90min.

Ekitike has been superb in what has been his first full season in Ligue 1. The 19-year-old went into the January transfer window having scored eight times in the top-flight for Reims. He had been described as ‘special‘ by boss Oscar Garcia.

Newcastle seemed to make the biggest play for the teenager last month. However, a £25 million bid failed in the final hours of the window with the youngster unconvinced about a move to Tyneside.

That does not appear to have deterred Eddie Howe’s men however. 90min reports that the Magpies were amongst the clubs to scout Ekitike in action against Bordeaux at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Arsenal, Tottenham, both Manchester clubs and Liverpool also watched the youngster. West Ham and Leicester were also represented.

And they were vindicated as Reims won 5-0. Ekitike scored after having his penalty saved. He had more attempts on goal than any other player on the pitch (via Whoscored).

Ekitike set to spark a fierce bidding war this summer amid Arsenal and Tottenham interest

Ekitike is likely to be a player Premier League fans hear a lot about over the coming months. Obviously, it would be no surprise to see Newcastle make a fresh approach when the window opens.

Howe’s men have put themselves in a much better position in their battle to beat the drop. No team in the bottom eight has taken more points from their last six. And staying up is surely going to pave the way for a huge summer at St James’ Park.

Arsenal definitely need at least one new striker this summer. And Tottenham could still do with greater cover for Harry Kane having not signed a forward in either of the last two windows.

With so many clubs interested, it is incredibly hard to see Ekitike staying with Reims beyond the summer.