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Chelsea are weighing up a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as new head coach Enzo Maresca outlines his summer transfer strategy. According to football.london, the Blues are eager to complete their incoming business swiftly ahead of pre-season.
Ekitike, 22, is under contract with Frankfurt until 2029 but could be available for around €100 million (£83.9m) this summer. The French striker made a strong impression in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 15 goals and assisting eight in 33 appearances, helping Frankfurt secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Maresca is reportedly keen to bring in a forward and has shortlisted four potential signings: Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, Jonathan David, and Liam Delap. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is also admired by the Chelsea hierarchy but is seen as the most expensive option — and Maresca is said to prefer more realistic targets.
Liverpool enter race for Ekitike
Chelsea may face competition from Liverpool, who are monitoring Ekitike as a possible replacement if Darwin Nunez departs. Reports suggest Nunez could be on the move to Spain or Saudi Arabia, which would leave a void up front at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt may struggle to keep hold of their prized asset. Axel Hellmann, the club’s former CEO, admitted it would be difficult to retain Ekitike this summer due to growing interest across Europe.
“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,” Hellmann told The Fussball Channel.
Chelsea set deadline to complete business
The Blues want all transfer activity wrapped up by the end of June. Maresca is determined to start pre-season with a settled squad and enough time to implement his tactical ideas.
Ekitike, once linked with PSG, has rebuilt his form in Germany and appears ready for another big step. Speaking in December 2024, he reflected on the mental challenges he faced during his career rise.
“Everything moves fast in football. You’re there (hand up) then you’re there (hand down) very quickly,” he told TNT Sports. “What I’m trying to show today is that I’m constantly progressing… I think I’ve got a good head and I’m continuing to work to be the best I can be.”
Chelsea’s intent to finalise deals early suggests any move for Ekitike could advance quickly if talks with Frankfurt progress.
This article was updated 3 weeks ago