Chelsea forced to pay €100m for top striker target

Chelsea are seriously interested in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, although they have been informed that a deal will cost €100 million this summer.

Enzo Maresca’s side are set to bring a new centre forward to Stamford Bridge during the upcoming summer transfer window, and they have identified Ekitike as a key target following his immense form throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

The France U21 international scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, and he is now being monitored by a host of top clubs across Europe.

Liverpool and Manchester United are both known admirers of Ekitike, although Chelsea are eager to finalise a deal for the former Paris Saint-Germain striker, according to The Athletic, The Independent and Sky Germany.

However, Eintracht Frankfurt have stated that he will not be sold unless they receive an offer worth €100m.

Ekitike still has four years remaining on his current contract with the Bundesliga side, following his permanent arrival last summer, and they are determined to retain his services if their asking price isn’t met.

Ekitike’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at just €57.7m, however, meaning Chelsea will be forced to overpay by a significant margin if they want to bring the Frenchman to west London ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

Chelsea want a new striker

Chelsea will be required to make Ekitike their fourth-most expensive signing of all time if they decide to purchase the 22-year-old this summer, while he would also become just the seventh player in history to join a Premier League club for a fee of at least €100m.

The Blues have identified the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko as alternative targets to Ekitike, with the club eager to sign a striker capable of challenging Nicolas Jackson for a starting berth next campaign.

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