Chelsea are allegedly interested in signing Hugo Ekitike of Stade Reims. It's worth noting that Ekitike is also a target for Newcastle United, who play in the Premier League.
The Blues have reportedly made touch with the Ligue 1 club regarding a possible transfer for the teenager, according to Football London. The transfer fee for Thomas Tuchel's side could be over €40 million. It's unclear whether they'll sign Ekitike during the current transfer window or in the summer.
This season, the 19-year-old has had a breakout season at Reims. Ekitike has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 17 Ligue 1 games this season. In France, he has been labelled the "new Kylian Mbappe," and his performances have helped his team ascend to 14th place in the premier division.
Ekitike, who was only promoted to Reims' first squad at the start of the 2021-22 season, has also scored six goals for their B team in 14 games. When reports surfaced that Newcastle were interested in signing him, he drew the attention of the English media. However, the Magpies have now signed Burnley's Chris Wood. The Chelsea ties are novel, but they make sense on some ways. Romelu Lukaku, the club's record acquisition, and Timo Werner, the German attacker, have struggled to score consistently. Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, and Callum Hudson-Odoi, for example, are not established goal scorers.
Chelsea's Premier League title defence could be coming to an end.
Chelsea are 13 points behind Manchester City after 22 Premier League games following their 1-0 loss to the Citizens on Saturday (15 January). To even challenge Pep Guardiola's runaway leads, they needed to start stringing consecutive wins.
On Tuesday night, though, the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium (18 January). It decreased City's lead to a point, but if they win their game in hand, they may widen the difference to 15 points. Given Chelsea's difficulties in all three areas of the pitch and the Cityzens' unwavering form, this might virtually kill their Premier League title bid. If the Blues are to win any silverware this season, they may have to turn their focus to other tournaments.
Chelsea has already qualified for the Carabao Cup final, where they will face Liverpool or Arsenal. They've also progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup and face LOSC Lille in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0