It was always anticipated that this would be a busy time for Chelsea, given the short gap between the season’s end and the upcoming Club World Cup. The club is eager to finalize transfers early so that new signings can treat the tournament as a combination of preseason and extended training.
Three potential transfers could be completed or make significant progress this week.
Still, few expected things to get quite this hectic. Liam Delap’s signing was officially announced yesterday, and today there are encouraging signs that a deal for Mike Maignan is gaining traction and appears increasingly feasible.
On top of that, new information has emerged about a surprising move for Hugo Ekitike, who could become Chelsea’s third senior striker.
The Daily Mirror is leading the coverage on this story, reporting that negotiations over personal terms with the 22-year-old are now “advanced.” While Liverpool is also interested, Chelsea seems to be moving more swiftly.
Both the club and the player appear enthusiastic about the transfer.
The main obstacle will likely be the transfer fee. Frankfurt only acquired Ekitike last summer, so they’re in a strong negotiating position. After selling Omar Marmoush to Manchester City in January, they’re financially stable and have placed a €100 million valuation on Ekitike. With no pressure to sell, they can afford to hold firm.
According to the report, Chelsea has made it clear they won’t meet that asking price, so the deal hinges on whether both sides can agree on a figure. If that happens, the transfer could accelerate quickly.
