Maresca will now turn attention to the early transfer windowMaresca will now turn attention to the early transfer window
Maresca will now turn attention to the early transfer window | AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea have reportedly narrowed down their striker transfer targets ahead of the early summer transfer window.
Chelsea are in the market for a striker this summer, and they may already have a favourite. The Blues won the Conference League on Wednesday night, romping to a comeback win over Real Betis in Wroclaw.
That feat will give Chelsea the bargaining power to lure elite players to Stamford Bridge, while they will also receive a financial boost, particularly as it pertains to Profit and Sustainability rules. Maresca is going to have to strengthen this summer, and Chelsea’s priorities are expected to be in the striker, winger and centre-back positions.
The report claims Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike are all on the radar, and it’s claimed early enquiries have already been made into those deals, with further steps expected to be taken this week.
Foot Mercato are now reporting that Chelsea have a ‘good chance’ of signing the striker, who is now said to be their ‘priority target’. It’s reported that Eintracht Frankfurt want £83.7million for their prize striker, which works out oat 100million euros.
The 22-year-old has big potential, and he is already showing an ability to compete at the top level, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 games for the Bundesliga club this season.
Speaking to the Bundesliga website about filling the boots of Omar Marmoush, who joined Manchester City, Ekitike said: “I was already quite free before. It’s just that when he was here, we had to share responsibilities. When you’re the only striker, the team plays more for you, and there’s more pressure on me because he was involved in many goals and assists. Now, people are expecting me to do the same."
Asked about his ambitions of making the France squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Frankfurt striker added: “Of course, it’s in the back of my mind. I’m trying to perform so that maybe one day I will be there. For now, I’m focused on playing and letting my performances speak for themselves. It’s tough to break into one of the best national teams in the world, so I’ll keep working."
Ekitike is under contract with Frankfurt until 2029, so the German club have plenty of leverage in negotiations, likely to stand by their high valuation. Chelsea must decide whether the 22-year-old is worth that value, especially with Gyokeres and Liam Delap both likely to be significantly cheaper options this summer, albeit both players are likely to come with competition aplenty.
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