Chelsea Football Club has emerged as a serious contender in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, a 22-year-old French striker who previously struggled at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) but has since revitalized his career in the Bundesliga. Recent reports indicate that the Blues are intensifying their efforts to secure Ekitike’s signature this summer, with some sources suggesting Chelsea have already made a formal bid for the player, who has also been linked with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
Ekitike’s journey has been a rollercoaster. After a promising start at Reims, where he caught the eye of several European clubs, he moved to PSG in 2022 for a reported €30 million. However, his stint in Paris was underwhelming, managing just four goals in 32 appearances, leading to a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2023/24 season. Frankfurt made the transfer permanent last summer for a modest €16.5 million, a deal that now looks like a steal given Ekitike’s breakout 2024/25 campaign. The striker has scored an impressive 22 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 matches across all competitions, including 15 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances and four in the UEFA Europa League. His form has helped Frankfurt secure a Champions League spot for the upcoming season, but it has also attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Chelsea’s interest in Ekitike comes as no surprise, given their ongoing search for a reliable No. 9. Despite Nicolas Jackson’s contributions, head coach Enzo Maresca has made it clear he wants more competition up front, especially after injuries to players like Christopher Nkunku limited the team’s options this season. Ekitike, with his height, physicality, and newfound confidence in front of goal, fits the profile of the modern striker Maresca is looking to integrate into his young squad. Reports suggest Chelsea have submitted an opening bid of around £67 million, though Frankfurt are holding out for a fee closer to £84-100 million. Interestingly, PSG are set to benefit from any transfer, as they negotiated a 20% sell-on clause when Ekitike moved to Frankfurt.
The narrative around Ekitike’s potential transfer has been complicated by conflicting reports. While some sources claim Chelsea are leading the race, others suggest Liverpool remain frontrunners, with journalist Simon Phillips noting the Reds’ long-standing interest in the player since his Reims days. Arsenal and Manchester City have also entered the fray, with City’s incoming sporting director Hugo Viana reportedly opening talks with Ekitike’s representatives. However, Chelsea’s project under Maresca, coupled with their recent Champions League qualification, could give them an edge in negotiations.
Despite the buzz, there are questions about Ekitike’s readiness to be the “main man” at a club like Chelsea. Former player Emmanuel Petit has expressed doubts about whether the young striker can handle the pressure of leading the line for a Premier League giant, citing his struggles at PSG as a cautionary tale. On the other hand, Ekitike’s recent performances suggest he may have matured, and Frankfurt’s board member Markus Krösche has praised him as “one of the most interesting strikers on the European market,” leaving the door open for a move if the player desires it.
Chelsea fans are cautiously optimistic, with many seeing Ekitike as a potential bargain compared to other targets like Victor Osimhen, whose wage demands previously stalled a move. As the summer transfer window approaches, the Blues’ pursuit of Ekitike will be one to watch, with the outcome likely hinging on whether they can meet Frankfurt’s valuation and convince the young Frenchman that Stamford Bridge is the right place to take the next step in his career.
