Chelsea have seen a transfer deadline day move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike fall apart, while Liverpool are still hoping to make a move happen this summer.
The 22-year-old is in huge demand following an impressive Bundesliga campaign, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 33 appearances. He also registered four goals and three assists in the Uefa Europa League.
Ekitike won’t come cheaply, though, as Frankfurt value the player at around €100m (£84.1m). They are under no pressure to sell as he is contracted until 2029.
Chelsea move for Ekitike collapses, Liverpool remain in transfer race
Chelsea were hoping to weaken their resolve before Tuesday’s deadline so they could sign the forward in time for the Fifa Club World Cup, but the deal has “collapsed”, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.
The two clubs did not come to an agreement on a potential transfer and the Blues did not submit an official offer to the German outfit.
However, Chelsea and Ekitike “remain in talks”, meaning a move could still happen later in the summer transfer window, while Liverpool are said to be “still in the race”.
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With Darwin Nunez expected to leave Anfield, Arne Slot is on the hunt for a new no.9 as he plots their Premier League title defence.
Ekitike joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year deal last summer for a fee of just €16.5m. He has since scored 26 goals and made 14 assists in 64 appearances in all competitions.
The Eagles, who finished third in the Bundesliga last season, are said to be working on a possible replacement in the form of Mainz striker Jonathan Burkardt.
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