Frankfurt working on deal for Ekitike replacement amid Premier League interest | OneFootball

Eintracht Frankfurt are working on a deal to sign with Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz as the club brace for bids for Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike is a transfer target for Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool. The English sides are seriously interested in signing the French forward, who netted 22 goals and provided 13 assists in 2024/25.

Frankfurt are demanding a fee of €100m (£83.9m) for Ekitike but are already working on a replacement in the background. Burkardt is the club’s leading transfer target and there has already been contact with Mainz to discuss a deal.

The 24-year-old scored 18 league goals in the Bundesliga to fire Mainz to a top-six finish and European qualification. Mainz are reluctant to lose the forward, however, and Sky Germany claim the German side will be ‘tough negotiators’.

Frankfurt are keen to wrap up a swift deal to sign Burkardt, who made his senior debut for Germany in October. He has since won three caps.

Frankfurt are aware of rival interest in the striker from the Premier League and Bundesliga. Bayern Munich have considered an approach to sign Burkardt as the German champions look for competition and cover for Harry Kane. Mainz are believed to value Burkardt at around €20m.

Frankfurt are also working to reach a full verbal agreement with SC Freiburg winger Ritsu Doan. The Japan international is a key target as the club look to strengthen ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.

The 26-year-old scored 10 goals and provided seven assists in the Bundesliga this season. Borussia Dortmund are also interested.

Read – Liverpool eye third ‘big target’ from the Bundesliga after Frimpong and Wirtz deals

See more – The Premier League’s Underrated XI for 2024/25

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