Chelsea Intensify Pursuit of Frankfurt Striker Hugo Ekitike
Chelsea Football Club has emerged as a leading contender in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s rising star, Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old French striker, who struggled to find form at Paris Saint-Germain, has reignited his career in the Bundesliga and is now attracting attention from several Premier League giants.
Reports indicate that Chelsea have already submitted an initial offer for Ekitike, signaling serious intent. The Blues face stiff competition, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City also closely monitoring the forward’s progress.
Ekitike’s career has been a rollercoaster. After breaking through at Reims and catching the eye of top European clubs, he joined PSG in 2022 for around €30 million. However, he failed to establish himself in the capital, scoring just four goals in 32 appearances. This prompted a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2023/24 season—a switch that proved transformative.
Following a strong campaign, Frankfurt made the deal permanent last summer for €16.5 million, a fee now seen as a bargain. This season, Ekitike has been in sensational form, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. His contribution included 15 goals in 30 Bundesliga matches and four in the Europa League, playing a pivotal role in securing Frankfurt’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Chelsea’s renewed interest in Ekitike aligns with their ongoing search for a consistent goal-scorer. Although Nicolas Jackson has shown promise, new head coach Enzo Maresca is keen to add more depth and competition up front, especially following an injury-plagued season for key attackers like Christopher Nkunku.
Ekitike’s profile—tall, powerful, and a clinical finisher—fits the mold of the modern striker Maresca hopes to build around in his young, dynamic squad. Chelsea have reportedly tabled a bid of around £67 million, but Frankfurt are believed to be holding out for a higher fee, potentially in the range of £84 million to £100 million. PSG, having included a 20% sell-on clause in Ekitike’s transfer, stand to benefit financially from any deal.
The transfer saga remains fluid, with conflicting reports on who’s leading the race. While some sources suggest Chelsea are ahead, others claim Liverpool remain strong contenders, having tracked Ekitike since his Reims days. Arsenal and Manchester City are also in the mix, with City’s new sporting director, Hugo Viana, reportedly engaging in talks with the player’s representatives.
Still, Chelsea’s project under Maresca—combined with their recent return to the Champions League—could give them an edge in negotiations. However, doubts persist about whether Ekitike is ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the line for a club of Chelsea’s stature. Former French international Emmanuel Petit has voiced concerns about the striker’s readiness, referencing his underwhelming stint at PSG.
That said, Ekitike’s resurgence in Frankfurt points to significant growth. Frankfurt’s sporting director, Markus Krösche, recently hailed him as “one of the most interesting strikers in Europe,” suggesting the German club could be open to a transfer if the offer is right.
Among Chelsea supporters, there’s a sense of cautious optimism. Many view Ekitike as a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced targets like Victor Osimhen, whose wage demands have complicated a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea’s pursuit of Ekitike is one to watch. The final outcome may hinge on whether the club can meet Frankfurt’s valuation—and whether Ekitike is convinced that a move to West London is the ideal next step in his promising career.