Chelsea get a worrisome competitor for a Hugo Ekitike transfer

Hugo Ekitike is one of the most in-demand strikers in European football this summer, and now Chelsea have a serious competitor for his signature.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United are keen on the 22-year-old striker, who is coming off a breakout season at Eintracht Frankfurt. Ekitike registered 15 goals and nearly 10 assists in all competitions in 2024–25, showcasing the blend of creativity, pace, and movement that once made PSG splash out to sign him.

After a turbulent spell in Paris, Ekitike has rebuilt his reputation in Germany, and now, the race for his services is heating up — with Chelsea right in the thick of it, but no longer alone.

Chelsea want more firepower — and they’re right to

Chelsea have already made moves at striker this summer, notably by signing Liam Delap, the highly-rated English talent from Manchester City. But Delap is a long-term bet, and Chelsea know they still need a reliable, high-upside striker who can start now and help them push for a return to the Champions League.

Ekitike fits the bill. He’s tall, explosive, technically refined, and most importantly, efficient in front of goal. He’s not just a finisher — he’s a link-up player who can work in dynamic attacking patterns, something Enzo Maresca’s positional play system will demand.

Chelsea’s interest dates back months, and they’ve been among the most active clubs monitoring Ekitike, alongside Liverpool and even PSG’s Qatari sister clubs, Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah — both of whom Ekitike has rejected in favor of remaining in Europe, per Romano.

That should have cleared the path for Chelsea… but now Newcastle have entered the chat.

Newcastle’s quiet threat

At first glance, Newcastle’s interest doesn’t seem like a major concern. They already have Alexander Isak, one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and a big-money signing in his own right. But dig deeper, and the threat becomes more real.

Eddie Howe is reportedly considering a shift toward a two-striker system, especially with interest in left winger Anthony Gordon coming from top clubs. If Gordon is sold, Newcastle will have room tactically and financially to build a new look attack — and Ekitike could be a central figure.

They also have Champions League aspirations, a young and growing squad, and serious financial power. Newcastle may not have the same glamour as Chelsea, but they can offer playing time, a clear role, and competitive wages — all without the instability Chelsea have faced in recent seasons.

This is not a battle Chelsea can afford to lose.

The window is now

Ekitike has clearly stated his priority is Europe, and that gives Chelsea and Newcastle a decisive advantage over the Saudi clubs. But interest is growing across the Premier League, and with Ekitike’s profile on the rise, the price tag could follow.

For Chelsea, this is a rare opportunity to land a potential world-class striker at a reasonable price — someone who can grow into the focal point of a title-challenging side.

But now, with Newcastle circling, that deal just got a lot more complicated.