Report: Chelsea look to finalise double forward deal amid rival interest | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Strategic Shift: Why Hugo Ekitike Could Be More Than Just a Signing

Reinventing the Attack with Flexibility in Mind

Chelsea’s intent to revitalise their attacking options under Enzo Maresca appears to be gathering real momentum. The near-confirmed acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m looks like a calculated move—low risk, potentially high reward. But it’s the news that Chelsea are also in talks to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt that reveals the broader tactical blueprint.

Ekitike isn’t just another name on a recruitment list. He’s a stylistic option, a tactical tool. As one source told CaughtOffside, the Frenchman offers “tactical flexibility,” capable of playing through the middle or drifting wide to disrupt defensive lines. In a season where Chelsea have struggled to find fluency in the final third, adding versatility is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Why Ekitike Fits Maresca’s Vision

There’s a precision to Chelsea’s pursuit. Ekitike, with his 22 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season, brings more than just numbers. His ability to glide between positions and link play could offer Delap a complementary partner rather than a direct rival. It’s not hard to imagine the pair operating in tandem—Delap stretching the pitch, Ekitike exploiting the gaps.

“Ekitike is a top target for the Blues,” according to CaughtOffside. That targeting reflects a more strategic planning approach than Chelsea have shown in previous transfer windows, where the focus has too often been on talent over fit.

Liverpool Watching Closely

The race isn’t without competition. Liverpool, potentially losing Darwin Nunez and facing interest in Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, are in the market for attacking reinforcement. Ekitike is firmly on their radar, but his price tag—around €100m—could complicate matters unless player sales materialise first.

Should Liverpool make a move, the battle would be intriguing. But right now, Chelsea are said to be “leading the race,” positioning themselves as the most proactive suitor. Their willingness to spend and build around Maresca’s system could be the deciding factor.

Delap and Ekitike: Two-Piece Puzzle or Overlap?

If Chelsea seal both deals, questions will naturally arise. Are Delap and Ekitike two pieces of the same puzzle, or are they jostling for one spot? Maresca’s system likely requires interchanging roles up front, which suggests a plan for shared minutes, complementary movement, and a much-needed increase in goal threat.

Photo IMAGO

It also suggests Chelsea are preparing for multiple formations, with fluid attacking options. Delap brings Premier League hunger and potential. Ekitike brings flair and proven production. Together, they could reshape Stamford Bridge’s frontline.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Chelsea fan’s perspective, the reported interest in Hugo Ekitike feels like a move that aligns with both immediate needs and long-term vision. Liam Delap’s arrival adds depth and physicality, but Ekitike would bring a more nuanced skill set—creativity, positional rotation, and a calmness in the final third that has often been lacking in recent years.

Supporters may remain cautious given past high-profile signings who didn’t deliver, but Ekitike’s 33 G/A in one season shows he’s not just potential—he’s production. The idea of him playing off or alongside Delap in a fluid, high-energy attack is exciting, especially with a manager like Maresca who values adaptability and possession.

The concern lies in whether Chelsea can get the deal over the line before Liverpool act. With the Reds looking to refresh their own attack and Saudi interest swirling around their stars, Ekitike could become a priority for them too. Chelsea must move decisively.

If they do, this could be the kind of deal that defines a season—not just in goals, but in intent.