Chelsea Enzo Maresca
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One Liverpool-linked player features high in the shortlist of players Chelsea have drawn up this summer.
As has been widely reported, Arne Slot’s side are preparing for what could be one of the most significant transfer windows in recent memory, with the club looking to strengthen multiple positions while facing potential departures of key stars.
The defence, midfield, and attack are expected to be filled, but much will depend on the outgoings.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has already announced he will leave the club at the expiration of his contract. As it stands, Liverpool have already identified his replacement in Jeremie Frimpong.
The Dutchman is set to be the first new name to walk through the doors at the AXA Training Centre this summer, having passed the first part of his medical at the club.
Another player that is increasingly looking likely to follow Alexander-Arnold out of the exit door is Darwin Nunez. The Liverpool No. 9 has a lot of suitors, and it is being reported that he has already agreed terms with Atletico Madrid.
His likely departure means that Liverpool will sign a replacement.
Several strikers have been linked with a possible switch: Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, Jonathan David, and Victor Osimhen.
However, Liverpool are not the only side watching some of these players, who are among the best goal scorers in Europe at the moment.
And according to a recent report from French publication RMC Sport, Chelsea have placed one of their targets high on their list.
The player in question is Hugo Ekitike.
According to the report, “several English clubs have approached the player and the club. Among them are Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. The Blues’ interest is particularly high. The London club has placed him high on its shortlist of strikers, along with Benjamin Šeško and Victor Osimhen.
Liverpool have been named as one of the clubs considering the Eintracht Frankfurt star. However, the Reds’ interest appeared to have cooled in recent weeks, following reports that the Bundesliga club are looking to recoup over €90m from the player’s sale.
The report also mentions the financial implications of a deal to sign Ekitike, revealing the 20% sale-on clause in his move to Frankfurt.
“Hugo Ekitike joined Frankfurt at the end of the 2024 winter transfer window, initially on loan with an option to buy from Paris Saint-Germain,” the report continued.
“The former Reims player was no longer part of the capital club’s plans and was able to leave in a package deal worth around €30 million, despite having been signed for €28.5 million. As a reminder, the capital club retains a 20% share of the capital gain upon resale. The Paris episode could have had more serious consequences for his career.”
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