Chelsea remain on the lookout for a new centre-forward, with Enzo Maresca lacking options in that position.
Christopher Nkunku can play as a striker, but it is not his preferred role and the 27-year-old could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, while Marc Guiu is still fairly inexperienced.
It means Nicolas Jackson is the only real centre-forward option that Chelsea have for a full Premier League campaign.
With Jackson suspended for Chelsea’s crunch tie against Manchester United on Friday, Darren Bent has tipped Tyrique George to start up front.
Chelsea expected to watch Hugo Ekitike in SC Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt
One player who could solve Chelsea’s striker problem is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. The Chelsea Chronicle has been told that Ekitike has admirers at Stamford Bridge and is one of several No.9s on the Blues’ shortlist.
Eintracht Frankfurt take on SC Freiburg in their final game of the season this Saturday, and Chelsea will have their scouts in attendance to keep an eye on Ekitike, according to GiveMeSport.
Ekitike has the chance to finish the campaign with 35 goal contributions, with the 22-year-old currently on 33.
| Hugo Ekitike’s 2024/25 stats | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Bundesliga | 32 | 15 | 7 |
| Europa League | 12 | 4 | 3 |
| DFB-Pokal | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Total | 47 | 22 | 11 |
Ekitike will not come cheap, though. Last month, it was reported that Eintracht Frankfurt value Ekitike at £86m.
Whatever the case, it looks like Maresca will get his hands on a new striker ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Why Hugo Ekitike could be about to become a priority for Chelsea
Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen are a couple of other names that Chelsea are currently considering.
However, it is being widely reported that Delap is favouring a move to Manchester United, while Osimhen’s wages remain an issue.
As things stand, Osimhen’s salary demands are preventing a switch to Chelsea, just as they did last summer.
The Blues may now have to start prioritising Ekitike as a result, though his rumoured price tag could also prove to be problematic. Chelsea need to sign a forward, though, especially if Nkunku does go on to depart.
Nkunku could have the chance to join Juventus when the transfer window opens as they look to improve their squad.
