Chelsea have accelerated talks to sign 22-goal striker

Chelsea have reportedly accelerated talks to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike ahead of the Club World Cup this month.

The Blues recently secured an agreement for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and an official announcement is expected this week.

Despite his expected arrival, the club are keen on landing another marksman and they have identified Ekitike as the priority target.

Talks have now intensified with Frankfurt and the Blues remain optimistic of finding an agreement before the Club World Cup begins.

Ekitike scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists for Frankfurt last term.

He is poised to pursue a bigger challenge this summer. Frankfurt are ready to sell him for around £84m which is a steep price tag.

Chelsea will hope to lower the initial fee with talks ongoing. Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked, but no contact has been made.

The Blues are the front-runners to land the former Reims man. If Ekitike does not arrive, the club could turn their attention to Viktor Gyokeres.