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Liverpool have now held talks to sign key Chelsea target in potential blow to Enzo Maresca - journalist

The last time Liverpool and Chelsea met on the pitch, it was Enzo Maresca’s side who came out as victors.

Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-1 at Stamford Bridge earlier this month, with Enzo Fernandez getting the Blues off to a flying start after scoring in just the third minute.

However, Liverpool could be about to get the better of Chelsea in the transfer market as they make their move for one of their rivals’ targets.

Chelsea would ideally like to sign two strikers this summer and are interested in both Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Liverpool in talks to sign Hugo Ekitike

Chelsea are considering signing Ekitike when the transfer window opens but now face competition from Liverpool.

Journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed on X that the Reds have now entered the race for the 22-year-old’s signature and are in talks to sign him with Arne Slot keen to do a deal.

Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Interest in Ekitike is hardly a surprise, as the Frenchman has had a productive season and has time to develop into an even better forward.

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In 48 appearances, Ekitike has scored 22 goals and provided eight assists. Another of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, have seen what Ekitike can do first-hand.

He scored when Spurs and Eintracht met in the Europa League last month. With Chelsea and Liverpool both keen, he may get another chance to play against them next season.

Maresca is lacking options up front, so to watch Ekitike join Liverpool would be a bit of a blow.

Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

The stat that proves Hugo Ekitike is not worth ridiculous price tag

For as good as Ekitike has been this season, the France U21 international has not been perfect. Eintracht are said to want €100m (£83.9m) for their talisman, but he is not worth anything close to that.

Ekitike has an xG difference of -7.55 in the Bundesliga, which is quite concerning and ultimately shows that the former Paris Saint-Germain player is not an £80m forward yet.

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