Chelsea have been linked with the signing of a new striker just days after their Premier League season has come to an end.
It appears the Blues are not looking to mess around when it comes to their transfer business, with them now having the opportunity to offer their targets the chance to play Champions League football.
In the days since the campaign has ended, the Blues have emerged as strong contenders for the signing of Hugo Ekitike, currently featuring for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Chelsea have been given an ultimatum for the price they must pay to bring the young Frenchman into the club, with it believed to be around £85m.
The striker gained a fair bit of attention when he lined up against the England U21s this season. Ekitike outperformed Liam Delap with a stunning hat-trick.
Chelsea can transform attack next season by signing Hugo Ekitike
Chelsea are expected to sign at least one striker this summer, with there being the potential to make it two with a pre-agreed deal for Emanuel Emegha.
It is Ekitike who would make the immediate impact though, and his breakout season at Frankfurt has given plenty of hope that he can hit the ground running if he moves to Stamford Bridge.
He has found the net 15 times this season and provided eight assists, putting up better numbers in both categories than Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegal international found the net just once in 2025, and made their task of qualifying for the Champions League far harder with his red card against Newcastle.
Where Ekitike far excels Nicolas Jackson
When comparing both players’ stats, there are a number of areas where Ekitike prevails over the current Chelsea striker.
| Ekitike vs Jackson 24/25 | Hugo Ekitike | Nicolas Jackson |
| Games | 33 | 30 |
| Goals | 15 | 10 |
| Assists | 8 | 5 |
| Chances created | 44 | 28 |
| Shots | 117 | 76 |
| Recoveries | 87 | 48 |
| Aerial Duels won | 52 | 22 |
One of the areas where the difference between the two is greatest is their abilities in the air. Ekitike is far stronger in this capacity.
Chelsea have a number of players who create very good chances to score from crosses. Blues fans previously wanted to partner up Pedro Neto and Victor Osimhen in attack due to the striker’s aerial threat.
With Cole Palmer and Reece James also delivering devastating crosses and set pieces, having another target to aim for in the penalty area will be a big boost.
Ekitike stands at 6ft 3in, and would instantly become one of their taller players should he make the move.
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