Liverpool Position Themselves for Hugo Ekitike After Chelsea Cool Interest

Liverpool are actively working behind the scenes to reshape their forward line this summer, with the club keen to recruit a new striker amid mounting expectations that Darwin Nunez will depart. According to Fabrizio Romano, Nunez is now “guaranteed” to leave Anfield, and Napoli are understood to be leading the chase for the Uruguayan forward.

That exit, long anticipated by many within the club and the fanbase, has prompted Liverpool to step up plans for an elite-level replacement. Despite winning the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, there is clear intent to strengthen and evolve, particularly in the attacking third.

Ekitike Interest Remains Strong Despite Price Tag

Among the most frequently linked names is Hugo Ekitike. The French forward has attracted attention from several top European clubs, with Liverpool showing consistent interest in the 22-year-old since January.

Reports indicate that the Reds have been monitoring Ekitike’s situation closely, despite hesitation over the €100 million valuation placed on him. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently confirmed that Liverpool were actively competing with Chelsea for the striker’s signature.

While the fee has proved a stumbling block for many suitors, Liverpool’s recruitment department has not been deterred. The club continues to assess their options, with the long-term value and ceiling of Ekitike making him an attractive proposition.

Romano Hints at Breakthrough in Pursuit

In his latest YouTube update, Fabrizio Romano dropped a noteworthy development that could significantly affect Liverpool’s path forward. Romano revealed that Chelsea are now prioritising a move for Brighton’s Joao Pedro, a player who has also impressed Liverpool scouts in the past but who has not been pursued formally.

Romano said: “Chelsea are firmly interested in Joao Pedro of Brighton.”

Crucially, he added that Chelsea have cooled their interest in Hugo Ekitike, largely due to the fee involved. This shift appears to remove one of Liverpool’s most significant rivals from the race, offering Arne Slot’s team a potentially clear run at the player if they choose to push ahead.

This update is being interpreted as a major signal that Liverpool are now favourites for Ekitike, should they decide to table a formal offer. The club’s activity behind the scenes suggests that such a move is very much on the table, particularly if priority target Alexander Isak is deemed unavailable.

All Eyes on Liverpool’s Next Move

With the exit door now open for Nunez and Chelsea’s interest in Ekitike appearing to cool, Liverpool find themselves in a promising position. The Reds have the financial firepower and Champions League football to tempt the Frenchman, and Arne Slot’s project already boasts a title-winning foundation.

Romano’s latest comments are not an outright confirmation, but they serve as the clearest hint yet that Liverpool have edged into pole position for one of Europe’s most highly regarded young strikers.

As it stands, the decision now appears to rest with Liverpool.