‘Chelsea waste no time with £84m Hugo Ekitike deal’: ‘Deadline set’
It is well known that Chelsea are out to sign a striker this summer, and they could look to bring in Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike before their self-imposed deadline.
Enzo Maresca’s side will be playing Champions League football next season, after a vital final-day victory secured their place among Europe’s elite.
Chelsea beat top-five rivals Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground, with Levi Colwill’s goal enough to take the three points back to West London.
With Nicolas Jackson suspended and Christopher Nkunku out injured, the Blues were forced to utilise Pedro Neto up front in Nottingham.
Maresca will be hoping that he can bring in a striker over the summer, so he is not forced to navigate another campaign without an adequate forward line.
Chelsea look to seal Ekitike signing quickly
Maresca was absolutely furious with Jackson, after the attacker was sent off for a dangerous elbow against Newcastle.
The 23-year-old has failed to fulfill his potential so far in West London, and questions have been asked about whether he is the right man to lead the line.
According to reports in The Athletic (26 May), Chelsea have set their sights on Ekitike, who is valued at £83.9million by his club Frankfurt.
Ekitike ended the season with 22 goals and 12 assists to his name, from 48 appearances in all competitions for the German side.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 48 | 22 | 12 |
The Blues are looking to finalise all their incoming and outgoings before the end of June, in a bid to give Maresca maximum preparation time ahead of next season.
Chelsea can push on after Champions League qualification
Football Insider Verdict
After qualifying for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League campaign, Chelsea now have a chance to kick on next season.
Admittedly, they may not be in a position where they can challenge for the title, but they will want to ensure that they comfortably finish in the top five, and perhaps win some silverware as well.
Of course, Chelsea still have the chance to win a trophy this season, as they take on Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final.
Whether Chelsea bring in Liam Delap from Ipswich, Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, or opt for Ekitike, they will likely have a new talisman after the summer break.
Maresca will hope that with the addition of a number nine, as well as a sprinkling of talent elsewhere in his squad, the Blues can close the gap to runaway champions Liverpool.