Chelsea are now in "ongoing" negotiations over a deal to sign an "incredible" striker, with a meeting taking place "in recent days", according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Blues looking to bolster squad before Club World Cup
The initial summer transfer window is set to close on June 10th ahead of the Club World Cup, before reopening on June 16th, and the Blues are looking to get a number of deals over the line before the first deadline.
Jamie Gittens has emerged as a major target since it was confirmed Jadon Sancho will not be making a permanent move to west London, while there have long been doubts over the goalkeeper options, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen being used interchangeably last season.
The interest in Hugo Ekitike is a little stranger, given that Enzo Maresca has already added Liam Delap to his squad this summer, but the manager may feel he needs a more experienced option at centre-forward, with the former Ipswich Town man yet to prove himself at the top level.
ipswich-town-liam-delap-premier-league
There has now been a new update on Chelsea's Hugo Ekitike pursuit, with Hawkins taking to X to reveal they are in "ongoing" negotiations over a deal for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, having held a meeting with his camp "in recent days".
Chelsea players pose for a team group photo before the match Related
[Deal close: Chelsea now nearing agreement to sign "world-class" £25m star](https://www.footballfancast.com/deal-close-chelsea-now-nearing-agreement-to-sign-mike-maignan/ "Deal close: Chelsea now nearing agreement to sign "world-class" £25m star")
The Blues could seal a move for a new signing "tomorrow", following a recent positive development.
The Blues are still considering a move for the forward, with contact yet to be broken off, despite talks not progressing, but a deal will not be cheap, with Frankfurt currently unwilling to compromise on their asking price of €100m (£84m).
Ekitike could be "incredible" signing for Chelsea
While the 22-year-old is the same age as Delap, he has more experience than the Englishman, having regularly provided goals and assists for Reims, Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt across spells in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Bundesliga 47 19 10
Ligue 1 52 13 8
Teammate Rasmus Kristensen has also been left impressed by the Frenchman, lauding him as "incredible" back in January, so it is little wonder that Chelsea are keen to take him to Stamford Bridge, although there are doubts over whether he is worth £84m.
With the Frankfurt star contracted until 2029, the German club are in a strong negotiating position, but the Reims-born striker is yet to prove himself in the Champions League, while a return of 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last season isn't out of this world.
As such, while Ekitike could go on to be a top striker, the £84m asking price is a little steep, so the Blues should continue to try and negotiate a lower fee.