Hugo Ekitike shows true colours with classy gesture as Arsenal sent Viktor Gyokeres message

Hugo Ekitike has outclassed Viktor Gyokeres. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker and the Sporting talisman have been heavily linked with moves to the Premier League this summer, yet only one of them has reported for pre-season training.

football.london understands that Arsenal want to sign Gyokeres before they jet off to Singapore later this month. The Gunners are currently working on a deal to secure the Sweden international's signature, with Andrea Berta expected to pickup negotiations with the Portuguese champions.

Sporting want €70m (£60.5m) for Gyokeres, with €10m (£8.5m) of which payable in add-ons. However, the north Londoners are looking to offer €65m (£56m), with €15m (£13m) in add-ons.

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It's understood that the two clubs have reached an agreement on the total cost of the transfer (€80m/£69m), but the structure of said deal has proven to be an issue. Arsenal are long admirers of Gyokeres, with interest dating back to his spell at Coventry City in the Championship a few years ago.

football.london understands that the Swede has turned down several approaches from elsewhere in favour of a switch to north London, so personal terms are thought to be a formality. Gyokeres didn't return to training earlier this week after reportedly informing the Sporting president that he wouldn't play for the club again.

Meanwhile, Ekitike, who could also be on the move this summer, has showed his class. Despite facing a somewhat uncertain future, the Frenchman reported for duty as planned.

Eintracht Frankfurt held an open training session over the weekend, inviting fans to the Deutsche Bank Park complex to watch their favourite players in action. On Saturday, Ekitike uploaded a candid picture of himself signing a supporters' shirt.

football.london understands that Ekitike was one of four strikers on Chelsea's shortlist before they signed Liam Delap. The Blues were interested in signing the 23-year-old this summer, but they were not prepared to pay his €100m (£85m) asking price.

The west Londoners eventually turned their attention to Joao Pedro, leaving the door wide open for Arsenal to swoop in. The Gunners now face fresh competition from Newcastle United, who reportedly want to sign a strike partner for Alexander Isak.

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies have recently reignited their interest in Ekitike. The report claims that the Frenchman wouldn't be a replacement for their talisman, who has three years left on his deal.

Ekitike, whose contract expires in June 2029, featured 33 times in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists. Leading Dino Toppmoller's frontline, he helped the German outfit finish third and qualify for the Champions League.

Last month, Markus Krosche revealed that Eintracht Frankfurt are under no pressure to sell Ekitike. Speaking to Wiesbadener Kurier, the club's CEO said: "If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us. We don’t have to sell Hugo."