Liverpool given HUGE boost in bid for £84m striker

Liverpool remain locked in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over the transfer of Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old playmaker remains the club’s priority in the summer window, with a “final” bid now reported to have been made to the German side.

Once the Wirtz deal is wrapped up, Liverpool will carry on with their other major summer business. There are still additions to be made at left-back and up front and Milos Kerkez will soon arrive to take care of one of those problems.

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And while the Reds are close to wrapping up deals for both Wirtz and Kerkez, it will soon be time to sign an upgrade in the No9 position.

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It’s widely believed that both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota are at risk this summer - with neither player truly convincing Arne Slot during the Premier League title-winning campaign.

Ekitike linked with Liverpool

And so several star names have been linked - from Viktor Gyokeres to Victor Osimhen, and from Alexander Isak to Joao Pedro. Another name which appeared on the radar was that of Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool have had their eye on the Frenchman since his days as a young player at Reims. Now at Eintracht Frankfurt, the 22-year-old was one of the stars of the Bundesliga season and tipped to move on during the transfer window.

Chelsea had moved into the lead for Ekitike and at one stage it looked as though Liverpool had dropped out of the race altogether.

But Ekitike’s move to Stamford Bridge has hit a roadblock - according to the latest report in BILD - and that could open the door for the Reds.

Chelsea hesitating over Ekitike

According to the report, Enzo Maresca’s side are “suddenly hesitating” over Ekitike, and time is running out for them to register the forward before the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.

He will need to be registered before June 10 in order to take part but the transfer fee is being reported as an issue. Frankfurt want £84m for their 15-goal forward but according to the report Chelsea are only prepared to go to £67m.

With Ekitike under contract until 2029, Frankfurt are under no real pressure to sell. And while Chelsea entertain doubts over the move, it could open the door for Liverpool to strike.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano confirms BIG Florian Wirtz update

It’s no secret the Merseysiders require improvements up top - and they can capitalise on Chelsea’s change of mind in order to land a long-term target. Let’s get Wirtz and Kerkez wrapped - then tie up the signing of a new striker.