Arsenal set to battle Newcastle United for Ligue 1 striker

Arsenal are set to compete with Newcastle United in the pursuit of Reims forward Hugo Ekitike, Chronicle Live claims.

The Frenchman was heavily linked with a move to the Magpies in January, but a deal failed to materialise before the deadline.

The Tyneside outfit were willing to pay around €40m for his services, but Reims did not want to lose him without a replacement.

On the other hand, Ekitike was also sceptical over the transfer, given the Magpies were languishing just above the drop zone.

Ahead of the summer, the Magpies are preparing to try again for him. They could now face fresh competition from Mikel Arteta's side.

The Gunners are planning to sign two strikers this summer, and have their sights on the teenager, who has netted 10 times this term.

Ekitike has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since late February, but he should make his comeback before the end of the season.

Aside from Ekitike, the Gunners are looking at Jonathan David, Darwin Nunez, Lautaro Martinez and Victor Osimhen to bolster their strikeforce.