Arsenal now planning to offer £50m for “incredible” Mbappe-esque striker

Arsenal are now planning to submit a £50m offer for an “incredible” striker who has been compared to Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit

With Andrea Berta recently officially taking up the role of sporting director, the Gunners appear to be stepping up their pursuit of a new striker, which seems like one of the Italian’s main priorities as we approach the summer transfer window.

A £59m offer has reportedly been submitted for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who is believed to be the north Londoners’ top target, given that a deal for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak may not be possible.

David Ornstein has also dropped another update on the Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga, suggesting Berta is a big fan of the Sporting CP star.

Arsenal have a wide array of potential targets, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike becoming the latest player to make the shortlist, according to a report from Caught Offside.

Ekitike is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, having impressed in the Bundesliga this season, and the German club are looking to hold out for €80m (£67m).

Newcastle United, Liverpool and Chelsea are also in the race for the striker, which is now starting to heat up, and the English clubs – Arsenal included – plan to submit opening bids of about €60m (£50m) to test the waters, with Frankfurt willing to sell if they receive a suitable offer.

“Incredible” Ekitike enjoying best season to date

It is clear to see why so many top clubs are taking an interest in the French striker, given that he is having the best season of his career to date in terms of goals, scoring 19 times in all competitions, while also registering eight assists.

Such is the 22-year-old’s level of performance, he has even been compared to Real Madrid’s Mbappe by Wesley Sneijder, who said: “He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappe.

“To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappé also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”

Having also been dubbed “incredible” by teammate Rasmus Kristensen

, the Frankfurt star is showing signs he could be ready for a move to a top Premier League club this summer.

That said, it would be a risk for Arsenal to sign Ekitike, given that this is the first season of his career where he has been prolific in front of goal, and fellow targets Gyokeres and Isak have proven themselves as reliable goalscorers over a sustained period of time.