Which clubs are interested in signing Reims forward Hugo Ekitike?

Hugo Ekitike is one of the most in-demand forwards in European football after the 20-year-old France youth striker enjoyed a breakthrough season at Stade Reims. Newcastle United’s interest in Ekitike is long-standing and the Premier League side are hoping to tie up a deal before some of Europe’s big guns come knocking on the door of the Stade Auguste Delaune. L’Equipe reports that among the suitors for the France under-20 international are PSG, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Bayern are considering a move for the 20-year-old as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski while PSG have naturally been keeping an eye on Ekitike for some time. The Ligue 1 champions, though, will have to shift some squad members before they can make any more moves in the market after signing Kylian Mbappé to a lucrative new three-year deal and reporting losses for the financial year of between €200m and €300m.

Ekitike rated alongside Adeyemi and Haaland

Ekitike is highly rated by scouts and analysts and ranks third among strikers under the age of 21 in Europe in goal creation stats, according to AI company Olocip. Last season, Ekitike generated a goal almost once every two games, with an average of 0.46. Only Karim Adeyemi (0.56) and Erling Haaland (0.62) had a higher percentage of goals created in the age group, according to Olocip. Across all competitions, Ekitike scored 11 times and provided four assists in 26 appearances at senior level last season.

Real Madrid’s interest comes later than their rivals for the Frenchman’s signature but Florentino Pérez has built an advantage with the recent signing of Aurélien Tchouaméni, adding to Eduardo Camavinga and Karim Benzema in a growing French contingent at the Bernabéu.

Although L’Equipe reports that there has been no formal offer, the French daily says that contact has been made with the players representatives, who have travelled to Madrid to get to know the club.