Chelsea working on deal to beat Liverpool to striker target | OneFootball

Chelsea Push Ahead in Ekitike Race as Liverpool Assess Options

Premier League giants pursue Eintracht Frankfurt striker amid growing transfer urgency

Chelsea have accelerated their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike and are currently working on a verbal agreement regarding personal terms, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg. The Blues intend to follow that up with more formal negotiations with the Bundesliga side in the coming days.

The French forward has attracted strong interest from both Chelsea and Liverpool, with the latter exploring attacking reinforcements as part of a multi-pronged summer rebuild. However, Chelsea’s more aggressive stance in recent days has seen them move ahead in the queue.

Frankfurt are said to be demanding €100 million (£84 million) for Ekitike, a figure both Premier League clubs would be reluctant to meet in full. Chelsea, however, are reportedly hopeful of negotiating the fee down to approximately €77 million (£65 million).

Chelsea’s striker strategy takes shape

Despite already completing the £30 million signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, Chelsea remain determined to recruit a second centre-forward. The club views Ekitike as a potential first-choice option, someone who could immediately start ahead of Delap in Enzo Maresca’s attacking setup.

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Should both Delap and Ekitike arrive this summer, there may be movement elsewhere in the squad. Nicolas Jackson’s future is under discussion, with the suggestion that Manchester United could be preparing a move for the Senegal international.

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Chelsea’s push comes amid a broader squad overhaul at Stamford Bridge, where multiple senior players are expected to depart. Bringing in Ekitike would signal a long-term commitment to building a young, dynamic attack, one aligned with the club’s strategic recruitment model.

Liverpool’s stance shaped by potential outgoings

Liverpool also admire Ekitike, but their approach appears more cautious. The Anfield hierarchy are unlikely to make a concrete move without first offloading Darwin Núñez, who continues to attract interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

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With Alexander Isak deemed unattainable this summer, Ekitike has risen on Liverpool’s shortlist. However, the Merseyside club have other priorities at present, including completing deals for Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz. The club are also monitoring left-wing options, particularly with ongoing uncertainty over Luis Díaz’s future.

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Ekitike scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in a standout campaign for Frankfurt and is widely viewed as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. The player is understood to be open to a move, with Frankfurt granting him the green light to leave — but only on their terms.

Ekitike pursuit could go late into window

While Chelsea appear to have taken the initiative, sources believe this transfer could remain active deep into the summer. If Frankfurt soften their stance or if Liverpool are able to generate funds through player sales, the dynamic could yet shift.

For now, Chelsea lead the race. But Liverpool, patient and pragmatic, are not out of it.