The summer transfer window is not even open yet but it looks like Chelsea are already pretty active when it comes to trying to get deals done. The Blues are riding high at the moment. They secured a Champions League spot thanks to finishing fourth and also returned to their trophy-winning ways, lifting the Conference League. Now, they have the Club World Cup to look forward to.
There's more good news though. Chelsea are already believed to have an agreement in place to sign Liam Delap, with a medical set to take place on Monday. He might not be the only striker they end up signing either.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt. The Frenchman has scored 22 goals this season and has been on the Blues' radar going back to his days at Reims. Will they finally succeed in signing him?
It looks like Chelsea are making some moves behind the scenes in hopes of getting a deal done for Ekitike, who is also wanted by Liverpool. As reported by CaughtOffside, Christian Falk said:
"At the moment, Chelsea, who qualified for the Champions League in fourth place, hold the best cards in the Ekitiké poker. Chelsea are already in dialogue with the player’s side and could soon get serious.
“But Liverpool are also still in the race, despite the upcoming record transfer of Florian Wirtz."
Chelsea favourites to sign €100m Liverpool target after opening talks
Liverpool won the Premier League somewhat unexpectedly this season and has rewarded Arne Slot by significantly strengthening his squad. Could Ekitike turn out to be another big-name signing for the Reds?
Well, if Chelsea have their say, he won't be. Ekitike has earned comparisons with Alexander Isak for his style of play. So, it is not hard to understand why the Blues might be keen to sign him as soon as possible.
The question is, is Ekitike what this Chelsea team needs right now? Yes, he has done well in the Bundesliga but we have seen plenty of such players struggle in the Premier League. Timo Werner. Kai Havertz. Jadon Sancho.
Most fans would probably want the club to go out and sign a more established striker. Someone who would almost guarantee goals. Names like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres appear to be available for transfer. Yet, considering Chelsea's transfer strategy, it would not be a surprise if they spend a bigger fee to sign Ekitike over them.