Chelsea dealt £85m transfer blow as Hugo Ekitike feelings made perfectly clear

Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche has insisted the German club do not need to sell striker Hugo Ekitike this summer and will not accept less than their €100million (£85million) asking price.

Chelsea have a concrete interest in signing Ekitike this summer and have been locked in negotiations with Frankfurt over a deal for the striker. The Bundesliga club are demanding £85million for the 22-year-old and football.london understands if they do not budge on their asking price, then a deal to bring the Frenchman to Stamford Bridge is very unlikely.

Judging by what Frankfurt CEO Krosche has to say, it appears the Germans are quite content with their valuation of the player and are in no rush to do business if the price is not right. He said: “If the price isn’t right, then he will just stay with us. We do not have to sell Hugo.”

It is understood that Chelsea have not sent a formal offer for Ekitike, with talks simply trying to gauge whether Frankfurt will sell this summer. However, the Blues are looking to find value in this summer’s transfer market and are not willing to give into Frankfurt’s demands at the time of writing.

Chelsea have already brought in Liam Delap this summer, with the Blues activating the striker’s £30million release clause in his contract at Ipswich Town. Delap has been included in the 28-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, alongside Nicolas Jackson, the man he will be providing competition and support for in the 2025/26 season.

The club’s pursuit of Ekitike, coupled with the signing of Delap, has sparked speculation over the future of Jackson. football.london understands, however, Chelsea are happy with the progress and development of the Senegal international since he signed for the club in the summer of 2023.

Meanwhile, Marc Guiu will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge this summer on a loan deal. The 19-year-old striker made just three appearances in the Premier League in the 24/25 season, with none of them coming from the start. Ipswich have already spoken to Chelsea about a season-long loan for Guiu.

Christopher Nkunku, despite being included in the squad for the Club World Cup, will also be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer. football.london understands the 27-year-old is keen to call time on his stay at Stamford Bridge after another frustrating season on a personal level, and the Blues will sell for the right price.