There may be nonetheless one sport left to play this season for Chelsea – a European last no much less – however with Champions League qualification for subsequent yr now secured, their switch enterprise can start in earnest.
The highest precedence is signing a striker – simply because it was final summer time. The names have been doing the rounds for months (and in some instances years) – Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko…
Ekitike transferring to the entrance of the queue
Hugo Ekitike celebrates scoring for Eintracht Frankfurt. (Picture by Alex Grimm/Getty Photographs)
However one which’s been . yesterday went into plenty of element a couple of potential Premier League transfer for the Frankfurt striker, and slapped an eye fixed watering €100m price ticket on his head.
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The Blues need to “conclude early summer time switch enterprise as shortly as doable” as they attempt to type as many offers as they will earlier than the Membership World Cup subsequent month.
Frankfurt know they’re in a robust place with Ekitike
Ekitike remains to be simply 22 and made his mortgage from PSG to the Bundesliga everlasting simply final summer time. The Athletic’s sources say that the €100m could be paid in a “negotiable” construction, however greater than something a payment of that dimension simply tells you he’s locked in on a protracted contract they’re and Frankfurt can successfully ask for no matter they like.
The German membership obtained €75m for Omar Marmoush in January and €95m for Randal Kolo Muani in 2023. They’ve additionally now certified for the Champions League, strengthening their hand even additional.
We’ve seen this Chelsea possession , so it’s not unattainable. However it looks as if a massively costly deal we’re undecided they’ll need to undergo with whereas they nonetheless really feel there are different tempting choices on the market.