Liverpool in talks to sign €100 million Hugo Ekitike ahead of Chelsea with Arne Slot a keen admirer of Eintracht Frankfurt striker

Per Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have now emerged as serious contenders to sign French forward Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Reds have held talks with the Bundesliga side and are ready to challenge Chelsea in the transfer race. The report adds that Frankfurt are yet to receive a formal offer for the striker, but they are sticking to their demand of a €100 million (£84m/$113m) fee.

Ekitike enjoyed tremendous success in the 2024-25 campaign in Germany as he scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 48 matches across all competitions and played a crucial role in Frankfurt finishing third in the Bundesliga and securing a Champions League berth.

Both Arne Slot and CEO Michael Edwards are known to be admirers of the former Paris Saint-Germain striker, but the Merseyside club will face stiff competition from Chelsea, who are also in the market in search of a quality No.9.

While talks are ongoing over Ekitike's move, the English champions are prioritising the transfer of Florian Wirtz. The German midfielder has already accepted personal terms, and it is up to Bayer Leverkusen now to reach an agreement with the Reds.