Latest update from Germany on Chelsea transfer target should act as warning for the Blues
Frankfurt have agreed to allow Chelsea target Hugo Ekitike to remain on holiday until he reaches an agreement on personal terms with a club according to reports.
The Blues are once again set for a busy summer and have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m.
Chelsea could look to add another striker, but the club are also in the market for a centre back and right footed attacker to bolster Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Hugo Ekitike granted extended holiday by Frankfurt
With Delap through the door Chelsea are still looking to add further attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season.
In the wide areas they’ve been linked with the likes of Jamie Gittens. Alejandro Garnacho and Nico Williams, whilst more centrally they’ve been linked with Mohammed Kudus, Morgan Rogers and Ekitike.
Ekitike is valued at €100m by Frankfurt, with Chelsea said to value the France under-21 international at around £67m.
Chelsea are thought to hold an advantage over Liverpool in the race for Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season.
Given the Club World Cup window is now closed it’s gone a bit quiet around Ekitike, but German publication Bild have provided an update.
They report Frankfurt have agreed to leave Ekitike on holiday until he reaches an agreement on personal terms with a club.
The report adds Ekitike can imagine playing for Chelsea, but Premier League winners Liverpool could come in if they sell Darwin Nunez.
Jamie Gittens deal close
Whilst a move for Ekitike still has a number of hurdles to overcome Chelsea are much closer to completing a deal for Jamie Gittens.
The Blues had multiple bids rejected for Gittens ahead of the Club World Cup deadline on Tuesday, but are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Dortmund later this summer.
Gittens has agreed personal terms on a seven year contract at Stamford Bridge and was said to be disappointed a move didn’t happen in time for the Club World Cup.