Liverpool, Chelsea Battle for £84m Bundesliga Star Ekitike

Liverpool and Chelsea are both competing to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, valued at around £84 million, as they aim to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season. Ekitike impressed in the Bundesliga with 22 goals last season and is seen as a potential replacement for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, whose future is uncertain amid interest from Saudi Arabia. Liverpool, led by Arne Slot after their Premier League title win, are also considering other attacking targets like Florian Wirtz and Joao Pedro, reflecting a strategic adjustment in their transfer priorities. Chelsea is prioritizing signing both a striker and a right-footed winger, with Ekitike being a key target as they prepare for the upcoming Club World Cup. Frankfurt, known for tough negotiations, have expressed willingness to let Ekitike go if he seeks new challenges, highlighting their recent successful sales of high-profile players. Both Premier League clubs are keen to add firepower to ease the burden on their current forwards and enhance their Champions League campaigns.