'Hugo Ekitike race explodes with Liverpool and Chelsea plotting cut-price deal'

‘Hugo Ekitike race explodes with Liverpool and Chelsea plotting cut-price deal’

Hugo Ekitike has been the subject of interest from both Liverpool and Chelsea this summer, and a potential cut-price deal is now on the table.

The Frenchman scored 15 Bundesliga goals for Frankfurt last season, as he helped the German side to a third-place finish.

Chelsea have already secured the signing of Liam Delap, but the Blues are eager to add another striker to their ranks, and the 23-year-old is one of those on the shortlist.

For Arne Slot’s side, Darwin Nunez once again flattered to deceive in the 2024/25 campaign, and Ekitike could be the player to replace him and help the Premier League champions retain their title.

Hugo Ekitike is attracting huge Premier League interest this summer (Credit: Imago)

Liverpool and Chelsea told of Ekitike cut-price deal

Since the start of the transfer window, Frankfurt have held firm on their £84million valuation of Ekitike, as they are not under any pressure to sell.

At that price, it would be unlikely that Chelsea or Liverpool would make a move for the striker.

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However, speaking live on talkSPORT (28 June) football correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed that more action might come down the line, saying: “Later in the window, that asking price just might drop from around £84million to somewhere close to £70million.

“That’s when the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool might finally make their move.”

Chelsea still want a striker

Football Insider Verdict

There is perhaps little surprise that Liverpool are after a number nine, after the performances of Nunez over the past three years, but fewer people would’ve expected Enzo Maresca’s side to still be in the market for a striker.

However, earlier this week (24 June), Football Insider exclusively revealed that Chelsea are definitely expected to sign another centre forward this summer.

The news comes with Christopher Nkunku set to leave the club, with the Blues ready to facilitate his exit in a move which would free up space for a new out-and-out striker

Randal Kolo Muani, who is currently on loan at Juventus but still under contract at Paris Saint-Germain, has emerged as a concrete target for the Stamford Bridge club.

In the second half of last season, the 26-year-old scored 8 goals in 16 league games for the Italian club, and he would be coming into Stamford Bridge to fight with Delap for a place in the starting XI.

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