Chelsea transfer target sends wordless message as new talks begin after failed £85m transfer

Hugo Ekitike has fired Chelsea a wordless message on social media. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer following his impressive performances in the German top-flight.

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 in third place and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The 22-year-old’s eye-catching displays 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 Enzo Maresca welcomed Liam Delap to Stamford Bridge.

Despite having signed the England Under-21 international from Ipswich Town, the Blues have reportedly continued their pursuit of the Frenchman. According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea remain in talks with Ekitike over a potential transfer, but they face tough competition from Liverpool.

The report claims the west London outfit failed to reach an agreement with Frankfurt before the FIFA Club World Cup deadline on Tuesday evening. In the meantime, Ekitike has been enjoying his summer break.

On Wednesday night, the Frenchman uploaded a carousel of pictures from his holiday on Instagram. Keeping his cards close to his chest, Ekitike didn’t caption his post, which eclipsed 10,000 likes in an hour.

According to German newspaper Bild, Chelsea value Ekitike at €80m (£68m), but Frankfurt have priced the striker closer to €100m (£85m). In April, Axel Hellmann conceded it will be difficult to keep Ekitike this summer.

Speaking to The Fussball Channel, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, the former Frankfurt CEO said: “I would love to have him at Frankfurt for another ten years, if possible.

“But we are realistic. He is one of the best high-potential players in Europe at the moment and he is only 22. That means he has a great future. He is a clever guy.

“He loves to listen and learn. I would love him to stay another couple of years. But the market is the market and half of the Premier League clubs are interested in signing him.”

Hellmann added: “Besides the Premier League, there are other markets for him that he has opened doors to with his performances. I think he would also fit in other leagues and with big clubs in Southern Europe.”