Chelsea Have Joined Liverpool in the Race to Sign £75million Striker – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Accelerate Interest in Hugo Ekitike Amid Liverpool Monitoring

The summer transfer window is approaching fast, and clubs across the Premier League are positioning themselves for major moves. At Liverpool, preparations are well underway for a rebuild in key areas, but recent developments suggest they may now face competition for one of their top targets.

According to a new report from RMC Sport, Hugo Ekitike is attracting “particularly high” interest from Chelsea, while Liverpool and Arsenal have also been in contact. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker is clearly on the radar of several English clubs, and his next move could shape the attacking strategies of more than one top side.

Chelsea Move with Purpose as Ekitike Interest Intensifies

The report states: “Several English clubs have approached the player and the club. Among them are Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. The Blues’ interest is particularly high. The London club has placed him high on its shortlist of strikers, along with Benjamin Šeško and Victor Osimhen.”

That Chelsea are prioritising Ekitike under Enzo Maresca speaks volumes about his potential. The 22-year-old forward, once viewed as a prospect at PSG, has rebuilt his career in Germany. His mobility, technique and confidence on the ball make him a stylistic fit for Maresca’s possession-heavy system.

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea’s search for a reliable striker has been well documented. With Nicolas Jackson showing flashes but lacking consistency, the West London club seem determined to add another profile to lead the line next season. Ekitike, with his blend of Ligue 1 experience and recent form in the Bundesliga, fits the bill.

Liverpool’s Plans Shift as Ekitike Valuation Raises Questions

Liverpool, meanwhile, are undergoing a retooling process following the departure of Jurgen Klopp and the arrival of Arne Slot. With the Premier League title secured in Slot’s first season, expectations for the summer are sky-high.

Darwin Nunez is widely expected to leave, with RMC Sport reporting that “it is being reported that he has already agreed terms with Atletico Madrid.” This development makes a forward signing inevitable, and Ekitike had been among those considered.

However, the report suggests Liverpool’s interest has cooled due to the financial demands of the deal. Frankfurt are believed to want over €90 million, a significant increase on the €30 million they paid Paris Saint-Germain in January. Complicating matters further is PSG’s 20% sell-on clause.

Photo: IMAGO

“The former Reims player was no longer part of the capital club’s plans and was able to leave in a package deal worth around €30 million, despite having been signed for €28.5 million. As a reminder, the capital club retains a 20% share of the capital gain upon resale,” the report states.

Transfer Market Dynamics Could Shape Final Decision

Despite his quality, Ekitike may be priced out of a Liverpool move if the valuation remains above €90 million. The Reds are known for operating with strict financial discipline, and other targets such as Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak and Jonathan David offer different strengths at potentially more favourable prices.

For Chelsea, on the other hand, the aggressive pursuit of Ekitike may be part of a wider push to revamp their attack. If Liverpool step aside, Stamford Bridge could be the Frenchman’s next destination.

Still only 22, Ekitike’s trajectory continues to attract interest at the top level. Where he ends up could have a ripple effect on other striker moves this summer.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, this kind of transfer development always brings mixed feelings. Ekitike is undeniably a talent with exciting potential. He’s mobile, can finish from different angles, and has shown he can adapt to new leagues quickly. In many ways, he’s the kind of player who could thrive in Arne Slot’s high-intensity, fluid attacking system.

But €90 million? That’s a significant fee, especially for someone who hasn’t yet hit elite-level numbers in a top-five league. When you factor in the 20% sell-on clause, it starts to feel like bad business. We’ve seen Liverpool avoid these kinds of inflated deals before, and given the range of alternative strikers available, this may be one where the club walks away for the right reasons.

Slot has earned a huge amount of credit after lifting the Premier League title in his debut season. If the recruitment team feels that someone like Sesko or Jonathan David offers more value and a better fit for the long term, supporters should trust that vision.

Of course, there’s always a bit of frustration when Chelsea swoop in for a target. But if Liverpool aren’t convinced of the value, it’s better to focus elsewhere than overspend out of panic. Let Chelsea take the risk, and let us continue to build a squad that fits Slot’s plan.