Hugo Ekitike ignites Arsenal transfer rumours! Eintracht Frankfurt striker posts image likening celebration vs Tottenham to legendary Thierry Henry

Ekitike has lit up the transfer rumour mill after a moment of brilliance on the pitch - and an even more telling celebration off it. The 22-year-old striker opened the scoring for Eintracht Frankfurt in their Europa League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night with a blistering strike, but it was his celebration that truly caught the eye of Arsenal supporters.

After finding the back of the net, Ekitike sprinted toward the away end filled with Spurs fans and dropped into a knee-slide, strikingly reminiscent of the celebration Arsenal icon Henry made famous in 2002 during a North London derby. That legendary image of Henry, immortalised in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium, instantly echoed in the minds of Gunners supporters. Adding further fuel to the fire, Ekitike later posted an image of his celebration to his Instagram story, intensifying speculation about a potential summer move to the red half of North London.

Ekitike has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Germany since joining Eintracht Frankfurt. In 41 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, the Paris-born forward has struck 20 times, showcasing not only his scoring instincts but also his composure and technical ability in high-pressure situations.

With Arsenal expected to reinforce their frontline this summer, Ekitike’s name is quickly emerging as one to watch. The Gunners are widely believed to be in the market for a new centre-forward, and the timing of Ekitike’s gesture - intentional or not - could not have been more perfect for fans desperate for clues about the club’s transfer plans.

Ekitike’s growing stock means a move won’t come cheap. Frankfurt are believed to be holding out for a fee close to £60 million ($77.6 million) for their prized asset, with the club reportedly unwilling to part ways unless their valuation is met.

Arsenal are not the only Premier League giant monitoring the situation. Chelsea are also strongly linked with the France Under-21 international, as they continue to rebuild under Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, both Manchester United and Liverpool are said to be keeping tabs, creating a potentially fierce bidding war should Frankfurt open the door to a sale.