Arsenal Enter Race for Attacker After Rejected Bid for Defensive Target

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, a player also being tracked by Liverpool and Chelsea, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad this summer.

According to new reports from Germany, the Gunners have made the young French forward one of their top attacking targets following a setback in their efforts to bolster the defence.

Arsenal’s bid to sign Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera has hit a stumbling block, with an initial €14 million offer rejected. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal remain keen on the 19-year-old and are expected to return with a new bid closer to €20–25 million. Mosquera, who has just one year left on his contract and has agreed personal terms with Arsenal, is unlikely to sign an extension with Valencia.

Despite this, Arsenal’s transfer activity is well underway. Deals are progressing for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard, valued at £55 million and £9 million respectively. Kepa Arrizabalaga is also expected to arrive from Chelsea in a £5 million move to provide depth in goal alongside David Raya.

With defensive negotiations ongoing, Arsenal’s pursuit of Ekitike signals a shift in focus to attacking reinforcements. The versatile forward, admired for his pace and finishing, could bring added competition to the front line as Arsenal aim to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts in the 2025/26 campaign.