Chelsea hero Florent Malouda believes the club will have to pay more than expected for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
The Blues have already begun to revamp their forward line in the transfer window. Enzo Maresca’s side acted decisively to trigger the £30million release clause in Liam Delap’s contract and bring the promising Ipswich Town forward to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea plan for Delap to compete with Nicolas Jackson for the number nine spot, but they've also been linked with Frankfurt forward Ekitike. The French striker ended the season with 22 goals and 12 assists in all competition, and Malouda believes it could cost Chelsea up to £100m to land him.
Football.london understands the club remain interested in Ekitike despite signing Delap. His German employers are said to be demanding £85m (€100m) to part ways, a price tag Chelsea regard as too high. However, Malouda would be unsurprised if Ekitike’s transfer value was even greater.
"Hugo Ekitike would be a good option for Chelsea because, even though he didn’t play much for PSG, he has experience of competitive squads,” Malouda exclusively told us, via bet365. "He has potential to score 20-plus goals in the Premier League.
“It just comes down to price. When German clubs see Chelsea, the price tag will be £100million plus. It’s a question of price."
Florent Malouda
Florent Malouda has spoken about Chelsea's hopes of signing Hugo Ekitike (Image: Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
While Chelsea rate the 22-year-old highly, football.london understands that the Blues are very unlikely to match Frankfurt’s £85m valuation. However, that will suit the German club, who are preparing for Champions League football after finishing third in the Bundesliga.
When asked about the possibility of selling Ekitike, Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche said: "If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us. We don’t have to sell Hugo."
The France international began his career at Reims and earned a move to PSG in 2022, but found himself up against several talented forwards. He was loaned to Frankfurt in February 2024 and has thrived since moving to Germany.
Chelsea’s interest in Ekitike is thought not to impact Jackson’s immediate future in west London. The 23-year-old scored 13 goals in all competitions during his second season at Stamford Bridge.
Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike has impressed since joining Eintracht Frankfurt (Image: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
However, Christopher Nkunku, who previously attracted interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich in January, will be allowed to leave this summer. Nkunku has been included in Chelsea’s squad for the Club World Cup.
The Blues will start their Club World Cup campaign against LAFC tonight (8pm). Maresca’s side will continue their group phase against Brazilian side Flamengo (Friday, 7pm) and Tunisian club ES Tunis (June 25, 2am).
Florent Malouda was speaking on behalf of bet365 and their launch of the free-to-play Club World Championship Tournament Predictor game. Find the latest Club World Cup Tips and Odds at bet365 News. Registration Required. Terms and Conditions Apply. 18+, Gambleaware.
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