Chelsea on verge of reaching verbal agreement with Hugo Ekitike

Chelsea are reportedly working on reaching a verbal agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt star striker Hugo Ekitike, according to reports from Sky Sports Germany.

Journalist Florian Plattenberg reveals that there has already been an initial contact with Frankfurt from the London club.

Despite Chelsea’s initial move, Frankfurt are revealed to remain resolute and are holding on to their demand for a €100 million fee to release the player.

Ekitike has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea’s fellow London side, who are also in search of a new striker to lead the line after failing to win any major silverware in the last five seasons.

The France international enjoyed a starring 2024/25 season, delivering 22 goals and providing 8 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt – he recorded 15 goals in the just-ended Bundesliga campaign.

According to Plattenberg, on his X(Twitter post): “Chelsea are currently working on a verbal agreement with Hugo Ekitike.

“There has already been initial contact with Eintracht Frankfurt. Eintracht Frankfurt are still demanding €100 million. It remains open whether Chelsea and Eintracht will reach an agreement.

“The next steps are already planned”

Ekitike delivered 22 goals and provided 8 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt in the 2024/25 season(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Blues are looking to add more firepower to their squad as they return to Champions League football next season, after securing a hard-fought 4th place position in the Premier League on the final day.

Meanwhile, Jackson put Maresca’s side ahead in their 4-1 comeback triumph against Spanish side Real Betis to lift the Conference League for the very first time, participating in the competition.

Enzo Maresca’s side have been criticized by pundits for their profligate misses upfront. Senegalese striker Nicholas Jackson, who managed just 10 goals in the league, has not been convincing enough.

This has called for further reinforcement by the club chiefs, who have already added Ipswich young talent Liam Delap to provide competition for the former Villarreal striker.

Despite the recent addition, Chelsea are not done revamping their goalscoring area, as they seek to bring in the 22-year-old French striker, Ekitike, as another alternative.

Reports have suggested that Chelsea are still trying to tempt Frankfurt into lowering the Ekitike price by offering players as part of the deal.

Ekitike, who was called up to feature for the France under-21 team for the UEFA Youth competition has withdrawn from the tournament due to struggles with a back injury.

He is expected to return to full fitness on time to feature during the opening stages of the tournament.