Despite already adding Liam Delap to their attacking ranks, Chelsea remain firmly in the hunt for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike—and recent developments suggest the club is getting creative in its efforts to bring the French star to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues made their first major attacking move of the summer by securing 22-year-old Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. The forward, who has signed a six-year contract and taken the iconic No.9 shirt, represents a clear signal of faith from new manager Enzo Maresca in reshaping Chelsea’s frontline..
But the West London club isn’t stopping there. Chelsea are still pushing to secure the signature of Ekitike, who also turned 22 this year and has been heavily linked with the club in recent weeks. With personal terms reportedly agreed between the player and Chelsea, the major sticking point remains Frankfurt’s hefty £80 million valuation—a fee the Blues are reluctant to meet.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Chelsea have now proposed a new approach to drive the deal forward. Rather than matching the German club’s full asking price, the Premier League side has floated the idea of including one or more players in the package to offset the transfer cost. While the identities of the players offered haven’t been disclosed, reports indicate Frankfurt are open to the concept and discussions are progressing positively.
Ekitike, who can operate as both a central striker and a secondary forward, enjoyed a breakout campaign with Frankfurt last season and has drawn comparisons to Kylian Mbappe for his pace, flair, and finishing ability. His versatility and technical skill make him an attractive target for a Chelsea side keen to add mobility and unpredictability to their attack.
Chelsea’s pursuit of two new strikers this summer highlights a clear intent to solve a long-standing issue in front of goal. If the club can find common ground with Frankfurt—potentially through a player-plus-cash deal—Ekitike could soon follow Delap through the doors at Stamford Bridge, signaling a bold new direction under Maresca.
As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on whether Chelsea can strike a deal that satisfies Frankfurt’s demands while securing one of Europe’s most promising young forwards.
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