Chelsea enter transfer race to rival Manchester United for Reims starlet Hugo Ekitike
According to GOAL (h/t The Sun), Chelsea have entered the transfer race to rival Manchester United for the services of Reims starlet Hugo Ekitike. He is one of the highly-rated prospects in Ligue 1 at this moment, which has seen him added to some of the top European clubs’ radars.
The Blues are eager to get their hands on Ekitike as they look to bolster their attack for the long term. They will need to deal with Man United, who are keen to finalise a move for the attacker as well. Liverpool are also claimed to be pursuing his signature, adding to the list of competitors.
The French side will not budge when it comes to their stance on the 19-year-old. The Ligue club would want a transfer fee in the region of £30million to facilitate a move. They had rejected a £29million offer back in the January transfer window, indicating the stern challenge that awaits the interested parties.
Chelsea need Ekitike?
The Frenchman has been out with a hamstring injury for quite some time, but he did enjoy a solid campaign so far before picking up the setback. After all, ten goals and four assists from 24 matches is a great return indeed for someone who is still learning his trade in the top flight.
It is not surprising to see the West London side look for a different route when it comes to strengthening their attack. Our frontline is arguably the weakest part of the team at this moment, and signing superstars has not given us the return that we needed.
Hence, it is understandable why Thomas Tuchel’s side are looking at feasible options like Ekitike, who still has the potential to reach newer heights. He has excelled playing as a striker and as a left inside-forward which certainly suits the German’s flexible style of play in attack.
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However, prising the Ligue 1 prospect would not be easy considering how we need to deal with the Red Devils and Jurgen Klopp’s side. What’s more, The Shields Gazette (h/t The Sun) also adds that Newcastle United could pose a threat in our efforts to sign the player this summer.
The Magpies tried their best to sign the French forward in the winter transfer window but failed in the attempt. Amidst the heightened demand, the current price tag seems reasonable for someone who is likely a future superstar in the making. Whether Stamford Bridge will be his next destination or not remains to be seen.