Chelsea Ramp Up Pursuit of New Striker After Champions League Qualification
Chelsea Football Club is intensifying their search for a new striker this summer, buoyed by their qualification for the Champions League. According to a report by The Guardian, the Blues are keen on bolstering their attacking options, with Ipswich’s Liam Delap and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike emerging as top targets.
The west London club’s hopes of landing their preferred striker have been boosted by their fourth-place finish in the Premier League. As reported by The Guardian, improving their attacking options is a priority for Chelsea this summer, and their Champions League qualification has provided a significant boost to their transfer plans.
Chelsea is one of several teams competing for the signature of Delap, whose release clause has dropped to £30m following Ipswich’s relegation from the top flight. The Guardian reports that there is firm interest in Ekitike and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with the former being a more complicated target due to Frankfurt’s asking price of £84m. Ekitike, a 22-year-old France Under-21 international, has scored 22 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions this season.
As noted by The Guardian, Ekitike joined Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and has also been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United. The report suggests that Chelsea would likely attempt to negotiate a compromise on the fee if they pursue the young striker. Meanwhile, Sesko, a 21-year-old Slovenia international, has scored 26 goals for club and country this season and reportedly has a release clause set at £62m.
Chelsea’s attacking options have been limited, with Nicolas Jackson missing the crucial victory against Nottingham Forest due to suspension. The inexperienced Marc Guiu deputized for Jackson at times, while Christopher Nkunku has underwhelmed during his outings as a No 9 and is expected to leave Chelsea in the summer. As The Guardian reports, there is a feeling that Delap’s physicality would make him an effective option for Enzo Maresca, with the patient style of play potentially benefiting from more punch in attack.
The report also notes that Delap has spoken to Everton, Newcastle, and Manchester United, although United’s chances of signing the England Under-21 international may have been impacted by their defeat in the Europa League final, which has denied them European qualification. Chelsea, meanwhile, is looking to conduct their business quickly, with the club also seeking to sign a centre-back and a right-footed left winger. There have been indications that they could try to sign a new goalkeeper, with rival clubs believing that Chelsea could be tempted to sell their current No 1, Robert Sánchez.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker is set to be a key storyline. With The Guardian providing exclusive insights into the club’s transfer plans, fans will be eagerly anticipating the arrival of new talent at Stamford Bridge. The club’s upcoming fixtures, including the Uefa Conference League final against Real Betis and the expanded Club World Cup, will provide a platform for the team to showcase their skills, but it remains to be seen how their squad will be shaped come the start of the new season.
The club’s transfer business is being closely followed by fans and pundits alike, and The Guardian will continue to provide in-depth coverage of all the latest developments.
