Frankfurt's French forward #11 Hugo Ekitike reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between 1 FSV Mainz 05 and Eintracht Frankfurt in Mainz, western Germany on May 4, 2025. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Eintracht Frankfurt's top brass, CEO Markus Krosche, has laid down the law in stating that hotshot Hugo Ekitike won't go for a penny less than his hefty price tag, amid growing whispers of Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea circling, with an eye-watering £85million figure being bandied about.

The German outfit, still riding high from their third-place finish and subsequent Champions League qualification, are not in dire straits financially despite offloading Omar Marmoush to Manchester City for a cool £59m earlier this year, largely due to Ekitike's pivotal role in their success.

Talking tough to Wiesbadener Kurier regarding the sought-after striker, Krosche declared: "If the price isn't right, then he'll just stay with us," and firmly added, "We don't have to sell Hugo."

Sky Deutschland’s buzzing rumour mill has pegged both Liverpool and Chelsea as tenacious contenders in the quest for Ekitike’s signature, but neither appear likely to snap him up for a song from his current German suitors.

Meanwhile, Wiesbadener Kurier had pieced together clues hinting towards Eintracht's designs on Mainz sensation Jonathan Burkardt, yet they may be plotting to pair him with Ekitike rather than as a mere replacement, should Mainz's asking price of over £25m be met.

Ekitike's journey is nothing short of meteoric, launching from Reims into PSG's constellation with a £30m signing before veering towards Frankfurt; though his next leap could dwarf previous price tags.

Ekitike initially joined the German side on loan in January 2024, playing a key role in Dino Toppmoller's team securing a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga. A permanent move ensued, with 15 of his 22 goals this season coming in the league, helping Toppmoller's side to finish behind only Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea have been active in the transfer market this month, bringing in several new faces ahead of their Club World Cup campaign. However, they were unable to finalise a deal for Ekitike in time, while other targets Jamie Gittens and Mike Maignan also remain at their current clubs for the time being.

Enzo Maresca has managed to incorporate three new signings into his squad. Liam Delap is included after his move from Ipswich Town, alongside Dario Essugo, Mike Penders and Mamadou Sarr as part of the 28-man squad.

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There's also an opportunity for Aaron Anselmino, who was signed last summer, to make his competitive debut for the Blues following a loan spell at his former club Boca Juniors.

Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign kicks off on June 16, when they face Los Angeles FC in Atlanta, followed by matches against Flamengo and Esperance. LAFC secured their place in the competition at the eleventh hour, winning a play-off against Club America to replace Leon in the draw.