Deal ON: Chelsea moving close to sign £83.9m-rated star after securing UCL qualification
Chelsea are interested in signing the Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike after securing Champions League qualification for the next season.
According to a report from the Independent, they are now actively pursuing a quality striker, and they have significant interest in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap as well. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can sign a quality goal scorer this summer.
Chelsea will face competition from Arsenal and Manchester United for the likes of Gyokeres and Delap, therefore, they are extensively discussing a move for Ekitike. The Frenchman has been linked with Liverpool as well.
Manchester United could look to make their move for the player as well, according to recent reports.
Ekitike has been in fine form
The 22-year-old has been outstanding in the Bundesliga, scoring 22 goals in all competitions. He has 12 assists to his name as well. Apart from his ability to score goals, he is exceptional when it comes to taking on defenders and beating them with his pace and flair. He could add a new dimension to the Chelsea attack. He is versatile enough to cooperate as the centre forward as well as a wide player.
The opportunity to join Chelsea can be quite exciting for the player as well. He will want to compete in the Champions League with a big club, and Chelsea are certainly one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Hugo Ekitike will be an expensive addition
The French under-21 international is valued at around £83.9 million, and that could be a major blow for Chelsea. They will need to improve multiple areas of their squad, and spending that kind of money on the young attacker could prove to be difficult.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can raise the funds for his signing. They might need to get rid of some of their fringe players in order to afford the French attacker. Even though he will cost a premium this summer, he could justify the investment in the long term. He has the attributes to develop into a top-class Premier League attacker.