According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle will now have to wait before they can bring Arsenal target Hugo Ekitike to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Newcastle had reached an agreement with Reims over a deal worth £30m.
Additionally, despite interest from Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, Ekitike wants to join the Magpies.
Now, however, the deal looks set to stall after the 19-year-old suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty.
Regardless of the injury, Romano interestingly adds that Ekitike’s agent was due in Newcastle on Monday, although he delayed.
Now, the reliable Italian believes the deal could become even more delayed, as Eddie Howe must wait for the teenager to recover from his injury, and Newcastle are considering alternatives.
You can see what Romano tweeted in full below.
In 26 appearances last season, Ekitike scored 11 goals as he burst onto the scene in France, drawing comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe in the process.
Arsenal could now hijack Newcastle deal
In our view, Arsenal could now hijack Newcastle’s pursuit of Ekitike – if they wanted to.
Of course, the timing of his injury isn’t ideal, although a hamstring injury is unlikely to keep him out for too long, so the Gunners must look at the bigger picture.
In the grand scheme of things, Ekitike is an enormous talent who looks set to have a very bright future, so those at the Emirates Stadium should seriously consider taking advantage of Newcastle’s hesitance.
If he goes on to become a star in north London, it will surely be worth the gamble.
Whatever Arteta chooses to do, it is imperative that a new striker arrives after Alexandre Lacazette returned to Lyon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was allowed to join Barcelona.
Only time will tell if Ekitike is the man to succeed them at Arsenal.
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