Chelsea Told to Pay £84million to Sign 22-year-old ‘Complete Forward’ – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Hugo Ekitike: A €100m Forward with Big Potential

Chelsea’s pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike signals an ambitious approach to building the squad for the 2025/26 season. The 22-year-old French forward has impressed during his spell in the Bundesliga, and Chelsea are keen to secure his services. With Enzo Maresca at the helm and a new season looming, this move represents more than just a typical transfer—it’s a statement of intent.

A Rising Star with Impressive Numbers

Hugo Ekitike has had a breakthrough year at Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions. His performances in the Bundesliga were particularly noteworthy, with Ekitike finishing as the joint-top scorer for Frankfurt, alongside Omar Marmoush. Frankfurt’s third-place finish in the Bundesliga, which secured them Champions League qualification, was, in part, due to Ekitike’s contributions on the pitch.

Chelsea, as reported by The Athletic, have been keeping a close eye on the striker, who has now been valued at €100m (£83.9m). This hefty price tag reflects his success at Frankfurt and the growing interest in his signature. While the price might seem steep, it is not unprecedented. In recent years, Frankfurt have negotiated high-profile sales, including the €75m sale of Marmoush to Manchester City and the €95m transfer of Randal Kolo Muani to Paris Saint-Germain.

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A Complete Forward in the Making

One of the key attributes of Ekitike’s play is his versatility. The French forward’s skillset goes beyond simply scoring goals. As highlighted by German football writer Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, Ekitike is “evolving into a complete forward.” His combination play with Marmoush earlier in the season demonstrated his ability to link up with teammates and provide assists. Furthermore, his counter-attacking ability, as showcased against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, makes him a dangerous weapon on the break.

Ekitike is not just a speedster or a playmaker; he is also a goal-scoring threat in the air. His aerial prowess allows him to surprise defenders, adding another dimension to his game. Whether it’s through his speed, technical ability, or poise in front of goal, Ekitike is emerging as a forward who can adapt to various roles in an attack.

Chelsea’s Summer Strategy: Moving Quickly

Chelsea’s transfer strategy for the summer of 2025 is clear: act quickly and decisively. The club’s priority is to secure a striker and a right-footed winger, and with Ekitike among their top targets, they appear determined to bolster their attacking options. With Maresca eager to build a settled squad for his second season in charge, Chelsea want to complete their business as swiftly as possible, aiming to have all incomings and outgoings wrapped up by the end of June.

The Athletic reported that Chelsea is not only focused on Ekitike, with other potential targets including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. However, the pursuit of Ekitike is perhaps the most high-profile, given the forward’s age, potential, and impressive recent performances.

A Player on the Rise

Ekitike’s development has been remarkable, especially in the 2024/25 season. He has grown into one of the most exciting forwards in the Bundesliga, and while he is still refining aspects of his game—particularly his efficiency in front of goal—his potential is undeniable. As Maresca looks to add quality to his squad, Ekitike would represent an exciting addition to Chelsea’s attacking options.

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Frankfurt’s asking price of €100m is a reflection of the value they place on their star forward, and Chelsea will need to negotiate carefully to ensure they don’t overpay for a player still in the process of developing. However, if they can secure Ekitike’s signature, they could be adding a future star to their ranks, one who could be central to their attack for years to come.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, the potential signing of Hugo Ekitike is an intriguing one. After a turbulent season under Maresca, where the team showed glimpses of promise but struggled for consistency, the need for a clinical forward is clear. Chelsea have had their fair share of missteps in the transfer market, but Ekitike seems like a player with the right mix of youth and raw talent to make a significant impact in the Premier League.

His ability to operate in multiple attacking roles is particularly appealing, given Chelsea’s fluid attacking style. Ekitike’s speed, combined with his sharp instincts in the box, would make him a valuable asset, especially as Maresca looks to impose a more aggressive, high-pressing style on the team. The fact that Chelsea are moving early in the transfer window also bodes well for the club’s ambitions in the coming season.

However, the €100m price tag is hard to ignore. While it is clear that Ekitike is a rising star, there are still areas of his game that need refinement. Chelsea must ensure that they are not paying for potential alone. That said, if the club can secure him at a reasonable price, the move could prove to be a game-changer for Maresca and Chelsea’s future ambitions.