Chelsea will be vying to topple the reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, who are set to spend another £79m this summer on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
However, the latest word from Germany suggests that plan could have been scuppered a number of weeks ago, all coming down to one key decision the Blues made.
Liverpool have today confirmed the signing of the French international, joining the club from the Bundesliga side after agreeing a six-year deal.
The 23-year-old flew into London on Tuesday to begin his medical testing and should continue his journey to Hong Kong, where Liverpool are currently based for pre-season.
Ekitike therefore appears set to lead the line for Arne Slot’s team, though this outcome could have been drastically different had Chelsea made a different choice.
German publication BILD, reporting the extent of their knowledge of the Frenchman’s transfer, have made claims regarding Chelsea’s role in proceedings.
They state Premier League interest began back in February through Arsenal and Liverpool, but it was the Stamford Bridge chiefs who allegedly reached out first.
It is said they did so on May 21 – four days before the 2024/25 campaign concluded. These were ‘concrete’ talks.
Ekitike then pulled out of France’s squad for the Under-21 European Championships with ‘back problems’ though he was seen training with a personal trainer two days later, so it is implied his absence was related to a possible transfer.
However, at this point in time football.london reported understanding of there being no interest in the striker and a deal was not close.
Enzo Maresca and Co. then made their push for attacking signings once the summer window had opened in June. It began with striker Liam Delap arriving for £30m from Ipswich Town, and when the Blues recruited Joao Pedro from Brighton for £60m, it was ‘much to Ekitike’s disappointment’.
Further details are explained in the report about how Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal were prepared to present a ‘blank cheque’, but without Ekitike’s willingness the deal was going nowhere.
Premier League interest did not stop there either as Newcastle United began their push for the signing on July 15.
They were rebuffed by Frankfurt, Liverpool then stepped in at the same time, the player committed himself to Anfield and the Magpies dropped out of the running.
A quick agreement has been established and now Ekitike, albeit ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea’s decision not to step up, is about to get the move to England he desires.
