Liverpool learn Hugo Ekitike transfer truth as 'realistic' Eintracht Frankfurt stance emerges Liverpool have been linked with a move for Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike Liverpool continue to be linked with Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt (Image: Photo by Elianton/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images ) Former Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Axel Hellmann has admitted it will be difficult for the Bundesliga outfit to keep hold of Hugo Ekitike this summer as "half of the Premier League" is interested in signing the Frenchman. The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United after an impressive season at Frankfurt. ‌ Since joining the Bundesliga outfit on a permanent deal last summer, Ekitike has scored 15 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances to put Dino Toppmoller's side on course for Champions League qualification. ‌ READ MORE: Gary Neville explains quick Anfield exit after Liverpool won title - 'I snapped at a few' READ MORE: Liverpool star responds to PSG win at Arsenal with subtle Champions League social media 'like' Sadly for Frankfurt, though, Ekitike's form will likely see him move away from the Deutsche Bank Park by one of the Premier League or Europe's top sides. Article continues below It is a scenario that Hellman, who now sits on the board at Frankfurt, is expecting, after claiming that half of the teams in Premier League teams are interested in the 22-year-old. “I would love to have him at Frankfurt for another ten years, if possible,” Hellmann told The Fussball Channel. “But we are realistic. He is one of the best high-potential players in Europe at the moment and he is only 22. That means he has a great future. “He is a clever guy. He loves to listen and learn. I would love him to stay another couple of years. But the market is the market and half of the Premier League clubs are interested in signing him.” ‌ However, despite interest from the Premier League, Hellman has admitted that Ekitike could move elsewhere in Europe. “Besides the Premier League, there are other markets for him that he has opened doors to with his performances,” he added. “I think he would also fit in other leagues and with big clubs in Southern Europe.” Arne Slot's side have been linked with a number of strikers ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, with Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres among the names tipped for a move to Anfield. Article continues below However, none of those strikers will come cheap and Ekitike has a reported asking price of £85million, with Liverpool likely to sell some stars in order to freshen up Slot's options in attack.