Transfer Centre

Fulham 'turn attention to Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 01 February 2024

Fulham 'turn attention to PSG forward Ekitike'

Fulham allegedly turn their attention to Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike after struggling to negotiate a deal for Chelsea frontman Armando Broja.

Fulham have reportedly identified Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike as a potential deadline-day signing.

Having sold Aleksandar Mitrovic to Al-Hilal during the summer, Marco Silva has been keen to bring in a new striker before close of business in the current transfer window.

The Cottagers had already been attempting to sign Chelsea's Armando Broja before first-choice frontman Raul Jimenez suffered an injury during the goalless draw against Everton on Tuesday night.

However, Fulham have struggled to reach a compromise with their West London neighbours, initially over a permanent deal even with Chelsea allegedly reducing their asking price from £50m to £35m.

Chelsea forward Armando Broja celebrates scoring against Preston North End on January 6, 2024. © Reuters

A straight loan will only materialise if Fulham choose to pay a £5m fee, something which appears unlikely with the club's board having chosen not to accept such terms at this stage.

As a result, there is increasingly urgency to find a different solution elsewhere at a time when backup duo Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz have contributed just two goals between them in the Premier League during 2023-24.

According to the Daily Mail, Ekitike is viewed as a suitable alternative to the Albania international.

Ekitike has been restricted to just one brief substitute outing by Luis Enrique at the start of the season, and PSG are eager to do business for the versatile attacker.

Paris Saint-Germain's Hugo Ekitike pictured on August 31, 2022 © Reuters

A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the 21-year-old in recent weeks, including the likes of Wolfsburg who appeared close to getting a deal over the line at one stage.

Nevertheless, a loan transfer failed to materialise, with the former Newcastle United target remaining on the market with just hours to go before close of business.

The report specifics that playing time for Ekitike is PSG's priority, rather than haggling over a loan fee like Chelsea have with Broja.

RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins adds that Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen on the ex-Reims man.