On January 17th, we covered claims made by Foot Mercato that Chelsea have ‘contacted’ Reims over signing Hugo Ekitike in the summer.
The striker’s contract expires in 2024 and it was also stated ‘it will be necessary to pay at least €40m’ to take him away from the Ligue 1 side after this campaign.
He’s impressed for the French club, managing nine goals and three assists in the league. The 19-year-old’s form, profile and statistics have caught the attention of clubs across Europe.
Bild now state Borussia Dortmund are in the picture to sign the France U20 international. They view him as a potential candidate to replace Erling Haaland, if the BVB star decides to leave the Bundesliga side in the next window.
Newcastle wanted the attacker in the winter market and although they had agreed a deal with Reims, Ekitike ‘vetoed’ the transfer. That’s because he wanted to finish the season with his current employer and ‘only switch in the summer’.
Chelsea have already made contact with Reims and are now showing interest in Ekitike. It remains to be seen whether the player favours joining the west London club over other suitors in the summer.
