Liverpool might miss out on signing Hugo Ekitike this summer, with Chelsea moving ahead in the race.
Both Premier League clubs are in the market for a striker, but Chelsea currently appear to be leading the chase.
With Arne Slot reportedly considering letting go of either Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez, and Chelsea also open to selling Christopher Nkunku, both teams could be undergoing attacking overhauls.
Chelsea Lead Liverpool in Ekitike Pursuit
Liverpool’s search for a new forward has become increasingly urgent over the 2024/25 season. Mohamed Salah continues to shoulder most of the scoring burden, while Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz have had encouraging campaigns.
However, concerns remain over Jota and Nunez. Jota may still have a chance to prove himself with a solid pre-season, but Nunez seems unlikely to meet Slot’s tactical demands moving forward.
As a result, Liverpool fans are anxiously watching developments around Hugo Ekitike. Reports suggest Eintracht Frankfurt are willing to sell, and according to Florian Plettenberg on X (formerly Twitter), Chelsea are working to finalize the deal, though Liverpool remain in contention.
Other Striker Options for Liverpool
Should Chelsea secure Ekitike’s signature, Liverpool still have other options. Viktor Gyokeres remains on the club’s radar, and the upcoming reopening of the transfer window on June 16 could allow Liverpool time to wrap up other deals—such as Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz—before revisiting striker targets.
Even if Ekitike joins Chelsea, Liverpool’s recruitment plans wouldn’t be derailed. Arsenal are targeting Benjamin Sesko, while Manchester United remain interested in Viktor Gyokeres. Victor Osimhen is also available as a potential outside choice.
That said, it’s worth noting that both Osimhen and Gyokeres currently play in leagues generally viewed as less competitive than the Bundesliga, where Ekitike plays. Their performance levels could drop more significantly after a move to the Premier League
