Chelsea transfer target Hugo Ekitike is reportedly edging closer to replacing Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund.
The French forward has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United this summer, but it looks as though Ekitike could be on his way to Germany. Borussia Dortmund are in the market for one or two strikers to replace Haaland after Manchester City confirmed the Norwegian forward will move to the Etihad Stadium ahead of next season.
The Blues brought Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge last summer after an impressive campaign helping Inter win the Serie A title, but the Belgian has since struggled to replicate his form from last season. The attack is an area that needs addressing by Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea this summer, with Mason Mount being the club's top scorer in the Premier League ahead of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Lukaku.
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Tuchel is expected to be backed heavily in the transfer market this summer once new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly's £4.25billion takeover has been officially confirmed. This could see plenty of changes to the current squad as the Blues look to challenge across all competitions next season.
According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, reported Chelsea transfer target Ekitike is being pursued by both Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund. Newcastle were linked with the French striker back in January but failed to agree a deal, whilst Dortmund recently signing former RB Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi after it was confirmed that Haaland will move to Man City this summer.
Ekitike is attracting interest from a number of top European clubs after an impressive season for Stade Reims. The 19-year-old has scored 10 goals in just 25 appearances in all competitions for the French outfit this season, tallying more league goals than Lukaku, Havertz, Werner, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.
Chelsea will need a top striker to be able to challenge the likes of City and Liverpool throughout the entire season, and could have to fend off interest from Arsenal and United as well should they make a move for Ekitike. The 19-year-old has been labelled the 'next Kylian Mbappe' which is a huge compliment considering the level the Paris Saint-Germain forward is playing at.
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