Chelsea Battle Borussia Dortmund for Summer Transfer of £33M-Rated Reims Striker

• Hugo Ekitike is one of the hottest strikers in French football and his exploits so far this season have attracted interests
• The player almost moved to Newcastle United on the January transfer deadline day before he changed his mind
• Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the youngster, while Chelsea are said to be preparing their bid already

English Premier League giants Chelsea are looking to edge Newcastle United to the signing of £33million highly-rated Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, but face stiff competition from Borussia Dortmund.

Mirror reports that the 19-year-old is now one of the brightest talents on French football having scored 9 goals in twenty Ligue 1 appearances.

His exploits have attracted interest from a number of top clubs to the extent that Newcastle pushed to secure his services on deadline day in January after the Magpies matched the £33m asking price.

It was gathered that the player later changed his mind to remain with his boyhood club until the end of the ongoing campaign.

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Foot Mercato reports via Sports Mole that Chelsea have now shown interest in the France Under-20 player hoping to land him at the Stamford Bridge, but they face competition from Germany.

According to Bild, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also in the race to sign Ekitike as they continue to weigh options as potential replacements for hitman Erling Haaland.

Should Haaland depart at the end of the season as predicted, the Bundesliga side would be in serious need of some attacking reinforcements, and it appears they believe Ekitike could be the answer.

Arsenal target Armando Broja

Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly added Chelsea starlet Armando Broja to their list of summer transfer targets.

Following the January departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gunners are understood to be desperate to sign a striker this summer.

Arsenal's pursuit for the Albania international is expected to face major hurdles, with Southampton said to be ready to make a club-record bid to sign the promising striker on a permanent transfer before his loan ends.

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Moses Simon on the radar of Newcastle United

Sports Brief earlier reported that English Premier League club Newcastle United have reportedly made Nigeria’s Moses Simon their key target and will offer him a mouthwatering deal.

The Super Eagles forward who can play from both wings could leave French side Nantes to join the Magpies during the summer.

It was gathered that the 26-year-old could cost the English club around £20 million as they are also willing to offer him a contract worth £100,000-a-week in wages, which should not be an issue for Newcastle’s owners.