Earlier today, Jean-Pierre Caillot – President of Reims – confirmed that Arsenal and Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike is heading for Paris Saint-Germain.
What’s the story?
Well, Newcastle have spent a large portion of the summer trying to sign the 20-year-old, with Dan Ashworth even telling Eddie Howe that a £26m deal would be completed, according to some sources.
Arsenal were also monitoring Ekitike as the Magpies pursued his signature, but now, both the Gunners and Newcastle have missed out on the precocious striker.
Speaking to l’Union, Caillot said: “Paris Saint-Germain have not offered same figures as Newcastle, but we’re happy to let Hugo fulfil his dream. He’s always been respectful with the club.”
There you have it. Clearly, the French prodigy simply preferred a move to Paris over Tyneside.
In a separate tweet, Romano added that Luis Campos – Director of Football at PSG – views Ekitike as a “top talent” for the present as well as the future, and leapt to hijack the deal after talks with Newcastle collapsed.
Interestingly, Campos was actually interested in becoming Director of Football at Newcastle, although Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi chose not to hire him.
Ekitike’s big move to the Parc des Princes comes after he scored 11 goals in 26 appearances last season.
PSG beating Arsenal & Newcastle to Hugo Ekitike isn’t the worst news
In our view, PSG can afford to invest heavily in a potential star of the future, whereas Mikel Arteta and Howe need strikers who can make an immediate impact.
That isn’t to say Ekitike won’t hit the ground running in Paris, although it is far from guaranteed.
As things stand, Arsenal have only replaced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette with Gabriel Jesus, so another experienced forward is needed in addition to the Brazilian.
In Newcastle’s case, Howe has a superb striker in Callum Wilson, although he is very prone to injuries.
The Magpies also have Chris Wood, although after he scored just two goals in 17 Premier League appearances for Newcastle last season, he can definitely be upgraded on.
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