Chelsea launch Hugo Ekitike transfer backup plan as Nicolas Jackson given green light

Chelsea appear to have expanded their search for a new striker. Despite having already signed Liam Delap, Enzo Maresca seems determined to further bolster his attacking options before the summer transfer window shuts.

Hugo Ekitike was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge earlier this month before a deal collapsed. football.london understands that the Eintracht Frankfurt star was one of four strikers on the Blues' shortlist before signing Delap.

Chelsea remain interested in signing Ekitike this summer, but they've have been locked in negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit who are demanding £85m. It's understood that if Eintracht Frankfurt don't budge then it's 'very unlikely' the west Londoners will push to sign the 22-year-old.

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With the German club driving a hard bargain, Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on his successor at Paris Saint-Germain. According to French newspaper L’Équipe, the Blues have opened talks to sign Randal Kolo Muani from the French giants.

The report claims that Kolo Muani, who is currently on loan at Juventus, is also wanted by the Italian giants. It's said the Old Lady are hopeful they can re-sign the 26-year-old on loan, with an option-to-buy clause.

L’Équipe reckon that the France international is happy in Turin, but he's not shut the door on other options. Kolo Muani featured 16 times for Juventus in the Serie A this season, scoring eight goals and providing one assist.

Playing a key role in the side, he helped the Bianconeri finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League. As it stands, Kolo Muani will return to the French capital when his loan ends later this month.

Interestingly, in the summer of 2023, PSG signed the new Chelsea target from Eintracht Frankfurt for £64.2m (€75m), plus £12.2m (€15m) in add-ons, to replace Ekitike, who had struggled to impress. Then, in the following January transfer window, the Bundesliga outfit signed Ekitike to replace Kolo Muani.

While Chelsea are still in the market for a new striker, Nicolas Jackson doesn't necessarily face an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. football.london understands that the Blues are not planning to sell the 24-year-old, who they signed from Villarreal in 2023 for £30m.

The west Londoners are pleased with how Jackson has developed, and they're planning for the new season with him in the squad. It's understood that the Senegal international has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, as well as overseas, with Napoli known to be keen.

Maresca wants at least two strikers competing for the number nine position next term. The Chelsea boss already has two strong options at his disposal, but Jackson's recent proneness to a red card seems to have opened the door to a third frontman.