Liverpool prioritise move for Arsenal striker target

Liverpool's most likely striker target this summer is reportedly thought to be Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, who is also of interest to Arsenal.

The towering centre-forward has impressed for an upwardly mobile Frankfurt team this term. Dino Toppmoller's side have elbowed their way into the Bundesliga's top three and are braced for a Europa League quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur, thanks in no small part to the reliable source of goals provided by Ekitike.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old, while Manchester United are also mentioned in dispatches. Yet, it appears that Liverpool's interest has accelerated as the transfer window hurtles over the horizon.

Arne Slot's side have been tipped to sign several strikers this summer while Ekitike has been described as the one to attract the most interest from the Reds, according to the Daily Mail.

With his best years ahead of him and a burgeoning track record in one of Europe's most competitive leagues, Ekitike's positive traits are not hard to decipher.

Alexander Isak is another name regularly floated among Liverpool targets. The Newcastle United forward is three years older than his French counterpart but boasts three Premier League seasons under his belt. Liverpool, however, are expected to be unwilling to meet Isak's eye-watering £150m price tag.

Ekitike is set to be a far more affordable alternative. Frankfurt have been tipped to demand a fee in the region of €80m (£68.6m) - if they are willing to sell their star player at all. A recent report suggested that Frankfurt may not be forced to recoup any more income in the coming window if they qualify for the Champions League.

Competing in Europe's premier club competition opens up a lucrative revenue stream almost independent of performance. RB Leipzig crashed out in this season's league phase yet still banked around £50m.

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