Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options.
Ekitike, who sees his contract at the Deutsche Bank Park expire in June 2029, featured 33 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists. Playing a key role in Dino Toppmöller's side, he helped the German outfit finish in third place and claim UEFA Champions League qualification.
The Frenchman's impressive performances haven't gone unnoticed, attracting interest from some top clubs. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Ekitike and his future.
Maresca draws up striker shortlist
football.london understands that the Blues have a four-man shortlist of strikers they want to sign this summer; it consists of Liam Delap, Jonathan David, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko. Chelsea are also admirers of Victor Osimhen, and they've been looking at the Galatasaray loanee, but he would be the most expensive option.
Chelsea set****Ekitike transfer deadline
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are interested in signing Ekitike, and they want to wrap up their summer transfer business as 'as quickly as possible'. The report claims that Eintracht Frankfurt have given the 22-year-old striker a €100m (£83.9m) price tag, with a negotiable payment structure.
It's said that the Blues are 'eager to move swiftly through the market this summer' and 'finalise all incomings and outgoings by the end of June'. Maresca wants to head into pre-season with a settled squad and make the most of preparation time before a busy season.
Liverpool rival Chelsea for Ekitike transfer
According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool have identified Ekitike as a target in the event that Darwin Nunez leaves this summer. The Reds striker has been linked with a move to Spain and Saudi Arabia.
Frankfurt face Ekitike transfer reality
Last month, Axel Hellmann claimed it will be difficult for Eintracht Frankfurt to keep Ekitike this summer. Speaking to the The Fussball Channel, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, the Bundesliga club's former CEO said: "I would love to have him at Frankfurt for another ten years, if possible.
"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."
Hellmann added: "Besides the Premier League, there are other markets for him that he has opened doors to with his performances. I think he would also fit in other leagues and with big clubs in Southern Europe."
Ekitike wants to silence the critics
Speaking to TNT Sports in December 2024, Ekitike discussed the trials and tribulations of reaching the highest level. He said: "Everything moves fast in football. You're there (hand up) then you're there (hand down) very quickly.
"What I'm trying to show today is that I'm constantly progressing, that it's linear and that I'm continuing to climb. I was young and I climbed quickly, even though I had a lot of things to learn and store up, but that's how it happened.
"I wouldn't wish it on anyone, it's not easy. But I'm still here. I think I've got a good head and I'm continuing to work to be the best I can be."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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