Chelsea have intensified interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as they push to finalise early summer transfer business ahead of a packed summer schedule.
The France Under-21 international bagged 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this term, helping Frankfurt to a third-place finish in the Bundesliga.
Frankfurt are expected to demand around €100 million for the striker, who moved permanently from Paris Saint-Germain last summer after an impressive loan spell.
Ekitike shared the club’s league top-scorer honour with Omar Marmoush, who joined Manchester City in January, as Frankfurt returned to the Champions League via the league for the first time in their history.
Chelsea’s desire to sign a striker is driven by the need to bolster options up front, with Nicolas Jackson suspended at the end of the season and 18-year-old Marc Guiu still developing.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap are also being monitored, although competition for both players is fierce.
Ekitike blends pace, creativity and technical skill, and has shown his quality against top sides – including a standout goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League quarter-final.
His ability to lead the line, operate from the left and link play makes him an attractive fit for Enzo Maresca’s system heading into his second season in charge.
Sources close to Frankfurt believe their valuation is firm but negotiable, particularly with the club’s record of securing high fees for forwards.
They have sold Randal Kolo Muani and Marmoush for a combined €170 million in recent transfer windows.
Chelsea are aiming to complete key signings by the end of June to ensure a settled squad for pre-season.
Their calendar includes the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
While Ekitike is still developing and must improve his efficiency, interest from across the Premier League underlines the growing belief that he is evolving into one of Europe’s most promising forwards.
