Liverpool and Arsenal have been handed an opportunity to beat Chelsea to the signing of Hugo Ekitike.
This follows the Blues’ move for the Eintracht Frankfurt transfer breaking down on the June 10 deadline ahead of the Club World Cup.
The Stamford Bridge-based outfit is understood to remain in talks with the Bundesliga club.
Liverpool and Arsenal like Hugo Ekitike
(Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The door is open for Ekitike to secure a Premier League move. In fact, quite a few doors are open.
For Chelsea, the big problem lies in the price tag, which Frankfurt have set at a rather plump €100m [£85.2m].
For that reason, the Blues have yet to commit to getting the deal over the line. That’s understandably so for a 22-year-old with no Premier League experience (albeit over 130 senior games under his belt).
“The race is completely open again for Hugo Ekitike. In addition to Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are still interested in the striker,” Christian Falk exclusively informed CaughtOffside.
“Frankfurt have made it clear to Chelsea: if they don’t pay €100m, the player will stay. This also applies to the next season. Frankfurt are playing in the Champions League and do not have to sell him. With Omar Marmoush, the club also held out until the very end in order to get the required transfer fee.
“Ekitike can still imagine a move to the Premier League. Now it’s up to the clubs to pay the right price.”
The Guardian have corroborated reports of shared interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
The competition doesn’t end there. According to reports from Sky Germany, Manchester United have now also entered the race for Hugo Ekitike.
More Stories about Hugo Ekitike
Can Chelsea sign Ekitike?
Enzo Maresca’s men are going to have to make up their minds sooner rather than later.
They’re not in dire straits, of course, having already signed the talented Liam Delap from…
..
