Why Chelsea FINALLY Turned A Corner.
PSG have just rejected a bid from Crystal Palace to take Hugo Ekitike on loan – with an option to buy the Frenchman next summer.
That is according to L’Equipe.
So, what is the situation involving Hugo Ekitike and Crystal Palace? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Dougie Freedman is trying to sign the 21-year-old before Friday’s transfer deadline, although the deal does not look easy to complete.
L’Equipe believe PSG would prefer to offload Ekitike – who they signed from Reims for €35m (£30m) – on a permanent basis rather than agree to a loan exit.
However, the Parisians are trying to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt – a player who openly admitted on Wednesday that he wants to join PSG – and the French news outlet believe Ekitike’s situation could change if that deal goes through.
Luis Enrique is also close to signing another forward in Bradley Barcola from Lyon, so the PSG No.44 is surely considering his future as Crystal Palace circle.
Crystal Palace have an alternative to Hugo Ekitike
If Kolo Muani doesn’t join PSG and Ekitike stays in Paris, then Steve Parish seemingly has a backup option.
According to Florian Plettenburg of Sky Germany, we are willing to spend £15m to sign Kelechi Iheanacho from Leicester before the transfer deadline, and the Nigeria international is keen to join.
Therefore, if talks to sign Ekitike fail to progress on Thursday, we would expect Freedman to step up discussions with Leicester.
Plettenburg adds that the Foxes want £18m for their No.14 this summer.
After all, it will be easier to sign Iheanacho if it becomes a race against time, as he is obviously based in the United Kingdom, whereas Ekitike would have to be flown in from Paris to undergo his medical.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as we attempt to bring a new striker to Selhurst Park.
