Chelsea have identified PSG’s Hugo Ekitike as a top target for the summer amidst interest from rivals Liverpool.
According to a report from the Independent, Chelsea have been extensively discussing making a move for Hugo Ekitike this summer. The Blues have him as a top target for the summer as they look to bolster their attack after securing Champions League football for next season.
While things didn’t go according to plan for Ekitike at PSG, the move to Eintracht Frankfurt has helped him get things back on track. He joined the Bundesliga outfit on loan at the start of 2024. While the loan move wasn’t that great, Frankfurt made the move permanent in the summer and he has only gone from strength to strength since.
In his first full season at the club, the 22-year-old striker has been involved in a total of 48 matches and he has contributed towards 34 goals (22 goals, 12 assists). It has been an exceptional season for him on a personal level and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.
Chelsea are keen on signing Ekitike
Chelsea are one of the clubs that have taken note of the incredible work he has done over the last 12 months and they are now keen on making him a part of their squad. While Nicolas Jackson has done a great job for them in the final third, Enzo Maresca wants more competition for him in the final third.
With Jackson unavailable for the final few fixtures, Maresca was forced to deploy 18-year-old Marc Guiu in the final third. It certainly highlights the fact that they don’t have enough options up top. Signing a new striker is among their top priorities.
While they do have a few names on their wishlist, Ekitike has emerged as a top target for the London club. They have been discussing making a move for him for some time and could knock on the German club’s door in the near future.
The Blues are very keen on signing him but Frankfurt’s valuation of €100 million could be a massive stumbling block for them. Qualifying for the Champions League has certainly given them a financial boost, as a result, it will be interesting to see if they do actually make an offer.
Liverpool could rival the Blues
Apart from the financial side of things, Chelsea could also face competition from Liverpool who are also looking at the 22-year-old striker according to Sacha Tavolieri. The Reds are also looking for a new striker this summer.
While their priority target was Alexander Isak, he is unlikely to move as Newcastle have secured Champions League football. As a result, the Reds are looking at other options and Ekitike is one of the names on their wishlist.
Darwin Nunez has been linked with a move away from the club, and if he does depart, the Merseyside outfit could make a strong push to sign the in-form French forward, who is currently thriving at Frankfurt.