Chelsea have reportedly contacted Reims over the possibility of signing their star striker Hugo Ekitike this summer.
Footmercato claim a conversation has been started by the Blues regarding the teenager’s future once the campaign is over.
Why is there such excitement around Ekitike?
Ekitike tops the list of several Premier League clubs, not to mention a handful of European powerhouses.
Looking at his statistics this season, we understand why.
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In 23 appearances, the 19-year-old has scored ten goals and provided three assists for Reims.
That easily makes him the team’s top scorer by some margin, with his nearest challenger only on three.
It also means Ekitike is currently level with Romelu Lukaku on the goalscoring front, with Chelsea’s record signing still struggling to find consistency in the final third.
It should perhaps come as no surprise then that the Blues want to plunder Ligue 1 for a striker, as they have done many times in the past.
Didier Drogba, Michy Batshuayi and Eden Hazard all crossed the Channel to arrive at Stamford Bridge.
But Thomas Tuchel’s employers are not the only ones to sue the Ekitike.
Attract attention from all walks of life
Newcastle United’s name has cropped up several times over the past four weeks after they failed to sign the centre-forward in January.
According to PictureBorussia Dortmund have identified the France Under-20 international as a possible successor to Erling Haaland, who could leave at the end of term.
West Ham United were also interested in the Reims gem last month and could move for him again.
Other suitors will surely also sniff around Stade Auguste Delaune, such is the hype around Ekitike.
His manager, Oscar Garcia, did little to quell this plot.
“There is something very special about him. He is young and he has the qualities to become a very good player. Garcia said in November.
Although the French side are desperate to retain their youthful talisman, saying no to Chelsea is a difficult task.
Especially if they offer the £33m (Footmercato) that Reims are reportedly claiming for his signature.
A relatively small price to pay for someone with such enormous potential.
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