Chelsea have already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town this summer, but have also been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike
13:31, 16 Jun 2025
Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca has been warned about a possible move for Hugo Ekitike(Image: Darren Walsh, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea legend Florent Malouda reckons the Blues will need to splash out more than they bargained for to sign Eintracht Frankfurt hotshot Hugo Ekitike.
The Blues have already shaken up their forward line in the transfer market. Enzo Maresca's team moved swiftly to activate Liam Delap's £30million release clause to take the promising Ipswich Town forward to Stamford Bridge.
With plans for Delap to compete with Nicolas Jackson to be Chelsea's lead striker, the club are still reportedly interested in Frankfurt ace Ekitike. The French goal-getter wrapped up the season with a hefty haul of 22 goals and a dozen assists across all competitions, and Malouda believes it might cost Chelsea more than £100million to clinch his signature.
Chelsea remain interested in Ekitike, despite snapping up Delap, according to football.london. Frankfurt reportedly want £85million for their star striker, which is said to be above what the Blues are willing to pay. However, Malouda wouldn't be surprised if Ekitike's price tag was pushed even higher.
"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 told 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."
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Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike has impressed since joining Eintracht Frankfurt(Image: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old is highly-rated by Chelsea but the club are not expected to meet Frankfurt's hefty £85m price tag. The Blues risk losing out in the race to sign Ekitike, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United.
Yet, teams being unwilling to match Frankfurt's valuation will be music to the German club's ears. A third-place finish in the Bundesliga means that the team will hope to have Ekitike in their squad when they compete in the Champions League next season.
When asked about possibly selling Ekitike, Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche made his feelings clear: "If the price isn't right, then he'll just stay with us. We don't have to sell Hugo."
The French ace began his career Reims and bagged a move to PSG in 2022 but found himself competing alongside star-studded names. Come February 2024, he was shipped out to Frankfurt on loan and has impressed in Germany ever since.
Florent Malouda
Florent Malouda has spoken about Chelsea's hopes of signing Hugo Ekitike(Image: Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Chelsea's interest in Ekitike doesn't mean Jackson will be on the move in the transfer window. The 23-year-old, who scored 13 goals in his second season, is expected to remain at the club.
However, Christopher Nkunku is likely to leave this summer. Despite his time with the Blues possibly coming to an end, he has been included in Chelsea's Club World Cup squad.
The Blues are all set to kick off their Club World Cup against LAFC tonight (8pm). Maresca’s side will also face Brazilian giants Flamengo (Friday, 7pm) followed by a clash with Tunisia's ES Tunis (June 25, 2am) in the group phase.
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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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