“I don’t know why the fans want us to sign Isak so much. He’s a splendid striker but I believe that he’s given more credit than he deserves. The striker we are signing in the summer transfer window is 3 times better Isak” This is according to Enzo Maresca as he drops his verdict to the high demand to sign Alexander Isak with Chelsea preparing an offer for a more “complete” £50m forward.
Enzo Maresca has faced numerous challenges in his debut season at Stamford Bridge but still has the opportunity to secure silverware, with Chelsea remaining contenders for the Conference League title.
Enzo Maresca has faced numerous challenges in his debut season at Stamford Bridge but still has the opportunity to secure silverware, with Chelsea remaining contenders for the Conference League title.
The Blues currently sit fourth in the Premier League, aiming to secure a Champions League spot by finishing within the top five by the season’s end.
Despite this, Chelsea has struggled in attack, failing to capitalize on the high-quality chances created by Maresca’s tactical setup.
Chelsea’s Most xG Contributors (2024/25 Premier League Season)
| Player | xG | Goals | xG Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Palmer | 14.77 | 14 | -0.77 |
| Nicolas Jackson | 12.16 | 9 | -3.16 |
| Noni Madueke | 8.19 | 7 | -1.19 |
| Christopher Nkunku | 4.16 | 3 | -1.46 |
| Enzo Fernandez | 4.18 | 4 | -0.18 |
(Data via WhoScored)
As shown in the table, Chelsea’s top five expected goal (xG) contributors have all fallen short of their expected tallies this season. Nicolas Jackson, in particular, has been inefficient in front of goal, scoring just nine times from an xG of 12.16. This inefficiency could be one reason Chelsea was linked with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak earlier this year.
Chelsea’s Reported Interest in Alexander Isak
In February, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed to The Chelsea Chronicle that the Blues hold an interest in the Swedish striker ahead of the summer transfer window.
Bailey stated:
“Chelsea like him. He’s certainly on their radar. If the opportunity came up, if you don’t win a ticket you can’t buy the raffle, and I think with Isak, Chelsea would have a conversation.”
However, acquiring Isak’s services would come at a significant cost. In December 2024, The Telegraph reported that Newcastle valued the striker at over £150 million.
Since then, Isak has further bolstered his reputation by scoring the winning goal in the League Cup final against Liverpool, securing Newcastle’s first major trophy in 70 years. Given his recent success, Chelsea – or any other club – will find it difficult to negotiate a lower price for the forward.
A deal exceeding £150 million would be a record-breaking transfer for Chelsea, surpassing the £115 million spent on Moises Caicedo. It remains uncertain whether the club is willing to make such a massive investment for the former Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund forward.
Chelsea Exploring Alternative Striker Options
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea is considering other options and has set its sights on Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as a potential alternative.
The report states that multiple Premier League clubs—including Manchester United, Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool, and West Ham—are all interested in the former Paris Saint-Germain attacker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Chelsea, alongside its rivals, is reportedly prepared to offer around €60 million (£50 million) for Ekitike. While Frankfurt would prefer to keep the young French forward until 2026, they are open to selling if a reasonable offer arrives.
Why Ekitike Could Be Chelsea’s Own Version of Isak
There are notable similarities between Ekitike and Isak, both in physical profile and playing style.
- Physical Attributes – Isak stands at 6’4″, while Ekitike is just an inch shorter at 6’3″. Neither is a traditional, bulky striker, but both offer a dynamic presence up front.
- Statistical Similarities – According to FBref, Isak is one of the most statistically comparable players to Ekitike, indicating they have a similar style of play.
Comparison: Ekitike vs. Isak (2024/25 Season)
| Stat | Ekitike (Bundesliga) | Isak (Premier League) |
|---|---|---|
| Starts | 24 | 25 |
| Goals | 13 | 19 |
| Minutes per Goal | 152 | 108 |
| Big Chances Missed | 12 | 11 |
| Big Chances Created | 7 | 10 |
| Assists | 4 | 5 |
(Data via Sofascore)
While Isak has been more prolific, the gap in output does not seem to justify the £100 million difference in valuation between the two players.
The Case for Signing Ekitike
Ekitike, once described as “complete” and likened to Thierry Henry by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is three years younger than Isak. This means he still has time to develop and reach the Swede’s level.
Given his technical ability, physical attributes, and potential for growth, Ekitike could emerge as Chelsea’s own version of Isak at a significantly lower cost. Instead of splashing £150 million, the Blues could secure a highly talented forward for £50 million—potentially saving over £100 million in the transfer market.
Now, it is up to Chelsea’s board to present an attractive offer and for Maresca to convince Ekitike that Stamford Bridge is the ideal place for him to take the next step in his career.
