Hugo Ekitike ‘taking time’ to decide future amid Chelsea push to sign Frenchman | OneFootball

Chelsea intensified their pursuit of France U21 striker Hugo Ekitiké (22) last week, according to L’Équipe, as the Blues look to add more firepower ahead of their return to the UEFA Champions League. Despite the signing of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, the West London club are understood to be prioritising another marquee forward – and Ekitiké is still firmly on their radar.The Eintracht Frankfurt striker is coming off a prolific breakthrough campaign in Germany, registering 22 goals and 13 assists across 48 appearances under Dino Toppmöller. His performances have caught the attention of multiple Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Aston Villa also monitoring the situation closely.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Ekitiké is taking time to consider his future, despite Chelsea’s strong push to convince the former PSG talent. Ekitiké joined Frankfurt on a permanent deal last summer after a difficult spell in Paris, where minutes were limited behind Kylian Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani.GFFN | George Boxall