Hugo Ekitike sends wordless message amid Chelsea transfer interest and Man Utd links

Hugo Ekitike has sent Chelsea a wordless message on social media. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker continues to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options.

Ekitike, who sees his contract at the Deutsche Bank Park expire in June 2029, featured 33 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists. Playing a key role in Dino Toppmöller’s side, he helped the German outfit finish third and qualify for the Champions League.

The Frenchman also fired Eintracht to the quarterfinals of the Europa League, netting four and setting up three in 12 games. His impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed, attracting interest from some top clubs.

football.london understands that Ekitike was one of four strikers on Chelsea’s shortlist before they signed Liam Delap. The Blues remain interested in signing the Eintracht star this summer, but they’ve been locked in negotiations over his deal.

It’s said that the Germans want €100 million (£85m) for Ekitike, and they’ve shown no sign of budging from their valuation. While Chelsea sweat over a potential deal, the Frenchman has been enjoying his summer holiday.

On Monday night, he uploaded three pictures from his break to his Instagram story. Keeping his cards close to his chest, Ekitike didn’t caption either of the posts.

Earlier this month, Markus Krosche revealed that Frankfurt are under no pressure to cash in on Ekitike. Speaking to Wiesbadener Kurier, the Bundesliga outfit’s CEO said: “If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us. We don’t have to sell Hugo.”

Chelsea higher-ups seem keen to get their hands on another striker this summer, but Maresca wants to a new winger. Speaking to reporters prior to the Blues’ 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup, the Italian commented on Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United.

As quoted by the BBC, Maresca said: “Jadon is not with us. So, for sure, that is a position that probably we need to do something. Also, because Misha [Mudryk] is not with us.

“At this moment, we have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto] and Ty [George] as proper wingers. So, for sure, something is going to happen.”

On the Blues’ goalkeeper situation, Maresca said: “The situation about the goalkeepers is quite easy for me, quite simple. Robert is the number one, then we have Filip that is the number two.

“[Mike] Penders joined us, we are going to see [him] in the next weeks. We have time to analyse and to judge him. Then we are going to take a final decision.

“Then for the rest, or Maignan or different players, they are not with us and they are with other clubs. I don’t think it is worth it to take about them.”