Liverpool are hunting for a proper No.9.

The club knows it.

The fans know it.

And every club in Europe sees it too.

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While the Reds may have lifted the Premier League title, the stats tell a bigger story—one that doesn’t flatter the centre-forwards.

Darwin Nunez hasn’t hit the expected numbers, and Diogo Jota, though reliable, is often unavailable.

Most of the attacking weight continues to fall on Mohamed Salah’s shoulders.

Now that Arne Slot has taken charge, the rebuild in attack is already in motion.

But Liverpool aren’t the only ones shopping.

Chelsea are in a similar situation.

Despite qualifying for the Champions League, their goal return from strikers has been underwhelming.

Both sides are circling the same Bundesliga star, and while Liverpool were once in front, Chelsea have now taken control of the chase.

Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike has had an impressive season in Germany.

With 34 goal contributions in 48 games, he’s shown his ability to consistently make an impact.

His rate of one goal contribution every 107.20 minutes is what clubs at the top level crave.

According to Christian Falk, “Chelsea, who qualified for the Champions League in fourth place, hold the best cards in the Ekitiké poker.”

He adds, “Chelsea are already in dialogue with the player’s side and could soon get serious.”

That puts them ahead of Liverpool for now.

At one point, Arsenal were also in the mix, but Falk confirms it’s now a “two-club battle” between Chelsea and Liverpool.

Despite being prepared to “fork out in excess of £100m for Bayer Leverkusen’s generational talent” in Florian Wirtz, the Reds have not walked away from the Ekitike talks.

Falk made it clear, “Liverpool are also still in the race, despite the upcoming record transfer of Florian Wirtz.”

The reality is this, Chelsea’s Champions League spot gives them the edge.

But Liverpool need this signing more.

Whether they can push through or not will depend on how long they’re willing to stay in the hand.

Read more: Arne Slot stance on Luis Diaz future revealed

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