Even though Liam Delap is now officially a Chelsea player, Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is still heavily linked with a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have already acted in this summer transfer window to improve their forward options by signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
The 22-year-old centre-forward has been confirmed as a Blues player, penning a six-year deal at the club. Also, Delap has taken the No.9 shirt, which is the kind of confidence that supporters will love.
Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, 22, continues to be linked with Enzo Maresca’s side, though.
Chelsea have broadly agreed personal terms with Ekitike as the club looks to sign two centre-forwards before the start of next season. However, German Bundesliga club Frankfurt are demanding £80m to lose their rising star.
Sources are confident Chelsea can sign Ekitike once his valuation is lowered.
Chelsea suggest players to Eintracht Frankfurt in Hugo Ekitike deal
According to journalist Simon Phillips via Substack, Chelsea held more ‘positive talks’ on Wednesday as a deal to sign Ekitike continues to progress.
Apparently, the Blues are refusing to pay Frankfurt’s £80m asking price and feel they are in a strong position because the Germans know they are selling the 22-year-old attacker.
Phillips further reports that Chelsea have mentioned players as potential make-weights on the deal and Frankfurt are interested. There’s no indication of which individuals were discussed, though.
Ekitike has been compared to Kylian Mbappe and is a super talented youngster, so we’re not surprised to see Chelsea pushing hard to get him.
The French youngster, who can play as a centre-forward or a second striker, was phenomenal for Frankfurt last season in Germany.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 48 | 22 | 12 |
Only two Chelsea players are unsellable
If Chelsea want to drive down Ekitike’s valuation, the smartest way could be to include one or two players as part of the deal.
The Blues certainly have a lot of individuals they could offer to Frankfurt, especially when you look at the number of high-profile stars that will be returning to them this summer from loans. Like last season, Chelsea must ensure they trim the large squad down again to leave Maresca with a decent-sized group.
Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are deemed unsellable by Chelsea right now, but the suggestion is that anybody else could be on offer for the right price.
