Chelsea enter race for Hugo Ekitiké amid Arsenal and Liverpool interest

Chelsea have been searching for a striker for several transfer windows, and the club are now moving decisively. Hugo Ekitiké, who impressed in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, is now being seriously considered as a priority addition for Enzo Maresca’s system. According to The Athletic, Ekitiké has been identified as Chelsea’s “primary target”, while Daily Mail reports that direct contact has already been established between the two clubs.

Arsenal and Liverpool also monitoring Ekitiké

The French forward is not only on Chelsea’s radar. Bavarian Football Works and Sports Illustrated have reported that both Arsenal and Liverpool have been following Ekitiké’s progress closely. Liverpool, in particular, are said to be evaluating the player as a versatile attacking option in their ongoing squad planning.

€100m valuation after breakout Bundesliga season

Ekitiké registered 22 goals and 12 assists this season for Eintracht Frankfurt, establishing himself as one of the most productive young strikers in the Bundesliga. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt have set a valuation of €100 million for the player, reflecting his prolific campaign and growing reputation across Europe.

Why Chelsea's interest is intensifying

The 22-year-old’s profile fits Chelsea’s evolving tactical demands. Ekitiké is capable of playing centrally or wide, combining physical presence (1.91m) with technical skill, mobility, and confident finishing. His aerial ability adds further value, making him a strong candidate for Maresca’s positional play setup.

Funding in place: Club World Cup set to boost budget

Chelsea are in a position to fund a high-profile forward signing. In addition to Champions League income, the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in July could provide revenue between £40 million and £97 million, depending on performance. This prize pool is expected to directly support the club’s summer transfer activity.

Delap and Šeško remain on the shortlist

Chelsea are also tracking Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and Benjamin Šeško from RB Leipzig. However, both cases are still at preliminary stages. Daily Mail has noted Chelsea’s growing interest in Delap, especially after Ipswich’s relegation triggered a release clause worth £30 million. While talented, Delap’s top-level experience remains limited.

Šeško, on the other hand, remains a complex target due to Leipzig’s firm stance, which has made negotiations more delicate.

Timeline: Chelsea want business done before pre-season

Chelsea’s internal goal is clear: finalise key transfers before pre-season begins, allowing Enzo Maresca to prepare with a complete squad. Talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over Ekitiké are expected to accelerate in the coming days, with the club keen to conclude the deal before rival interest escalates.