It has been claimed that Chelsea tried to sign one of Europe’s most promising forwards during the winter transfer window, while he could be on the move this summer.
Chelsea were heavily linked with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who has impressed in the Premier League this season.
In February, it was reported that Chelsea had enquired about signing Delap three times, but it appears that he was not the only striker they targeted.
The 22-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 31 top-flight appearances this season, which is a good return, but it will not be enough to keep Ipswich up. One of his goals came against Enzo Maresca‘s side in December.
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Chelsea tried to sign Hugo Ekitike in January with player now ready for fresh challenge
Like Delap, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike is also having a brilliant campaign and looks to have caught Chelsea’s attention.
According to journalist Abdellah Boulma, the Blues tried to sign the French youngster in January, but Eintracht would not sanction a sale. However, Ekitike is ready to take up a new challenge this summer.
Ekitike has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, which is 12 more than what Chelsea’s current first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson has managed.
Despite his recent struggles, the Senegal international is still enjoying life at Stamford Bridge.
When Jackson was asked about playing for Chelsea and what he likes about being part of the Blues, he said: “The fans and the atmosphere, the pressure to win games and everything, I like that.”
While Chelsea missed out on Ekitike in January, it is not impossible that he links up with Jackson in the summer.
Hugo Ekitike still an option for Chelsea this summer
According to another journalist, Simon Phillips, Ekitike is on Chelsea’s shortlist for the summer transfer window.
He will not come cheap, though, with it thought that Frankfurt want £86m for Ekitike’s signature. At that price, a deal seems unlikely, but if it comes down, then perhaps Chelsea will go all out for the 22-year-old, especially if Delap ends up elsewhere.
“There is something very special about him,” former Reims manager Oscar Garcia once told beIN SPORTS (via Chronicle Live) when discussing Ekitike. Chelsea, then, could be set to land a really talented forward this summer.
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