“Next big deal” – Chelsea hold ‘positive talks’ over second striker signing and offer ‘swap’ deal in discount bid
Chelsea are said to be pushing for a striker deal, but they remain short of the asking price.
Chelsea are said to be chasing another striker after wrapping up a deal to sign Liam Delap in the early transfer window. The early window will be open until June 10, and the Blues have moved quickly to land a new frontman, adding Delap to their frontman in what is perceived as a steal of a deal.
Enzo Maresca may not be done there, though, reportedly pursuing another striker target while also trying to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The Blues also need a centre-back and a winger this summer, but it seems two forwards will be added to compete with Nicolas Jackson, with Christopher Nkunku expected to move on this summer.
Nkunku has not impressed Maresca despite getting off to a fast start this season, and there has been talk aplenty that he will move on to pastures new, although likely with Chelsea taking a hit on their £52million investment.
Whatever Chelsea do get for Nkunku is likely to be used towards his replacement, though that money will only go so far. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is said to be the chosen player, but Football.London claim the Bundesliga club are asking for £84.5million this summer.
That’s a big fee to pay for Chelsea given they have already signed Delap and need to strengthen in other positions. But in terms of reaching an agreement with the player, journalist Simon Phillips has reported: “More positive talks yesterday and this one has been progressing. However, as with Maignan, Chelsea are not paying their asking price. Games are being played here too. The player wants the move and has communicated that. Frankfurt know they are selling him, so Chelsea once again are taking the tough stance here and know they are in a strong position.
“Chelsea have mooted players to Frankfurt as a make-weight on the deal, and they are interested. I don’t know which players, but it is rumoured to be a couple from Strasbourg, so it would have to be unofficial favour for a favour ‘swap’ deals here. I see this one dragging on a bit to be honest because the gap in valuation is too big. But as I said, there has been positive progress on this over the last week. By the way, there is no way Chelsea should be paying £80m for Ekitike so I back this stance here, I just don’t back it for Maignan.”
Ekitike taking his time
Meanwhile, Sacha Tavolieri has reported that Ekitike is ‘taking his time’ to consider his future before making a decision. The striker has already had a big move fail to pay off in the past having moved to PSG and failing to make an impression there, making just one league appearance.
The 22-year-old will want to know he will get game time to make an impact wherever he goes next, and Chelsea will likely need to convince him he will get it, although with Delap and Nicolas Jackson already at the club, Maresca may not be in a position to offer such guarantees