New Chelsea transfer target breaks silence as Hugo Ekitike alternative passes £25m audition

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Nick Woltemade has provided an update on his future at VfB Stuttgart. The 23-year-old striker has recently emerged as a potential target for Chelsea as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window.

Woltemade, who sees his contract at the MHP Arena expire in June 2028, featured 28 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists. Playing a key role in Sebastian Hoeneß's side, he helped Stuttgart finish ninth.

The Germany Under-21 international's impressive performances didn't go unnoticed, reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea. According to CaughtOffside, the Blues recently contacted Woltemade's entourage to enquire about a potential transfer.

The report claims that the west Londoners have been monitoring the striker for a while, and they face tough competition from Atletico Madrid. It's said that there's no release clause in Woltemade's deal.

(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, the £25.5m-rated Stuttgart ace provided an update on his future after netting a hat-trick against Slovenia in the group stage of this summer's European Under-21 Championship.

As quoted by Sky Sports Germany, Woltemade said: "I think that's part of it. It wouldn't be ideal if the clubs' scouts didn't have that on their radar. But now I'm with the U-21s, and I'm very happy about it and having a lot of fun.

"I was able to score three goals again today, and that's the most important thing for me right now," added the Chelsea target. "Those are all things that I'm not really thinking about right now. I'm not thinking about my personal future at the moment."

(Image: Simon Hofmann)

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea try to sign Woltemade, but he appears to be a more affordable option than Hugo Ekitike. football.london understands that the Eintracht Frankfurt star was one of four strikers on the Blues' shortlist before signing Liam Delap.

Despite having already welcomed the England Under-21 international to Stamford Bridge, the Blues remain interested in signing Ekitike this summer. It's said that Chelsea have been locked in negotiations over a deal, with the Bundesliga outfit demanding £85m.

football.london understands that if Eintracht Frankfurt don't budge then it's 'very unlikely' the west Londoners will push to sign the 22-year-old. Markus Krosche recently revealed that the German club are under no pressure to sanction Ekitike's departure.

Speaking to Wiesbadener Kurier, the Eintracht Frankfurt CEO said: "If the price isn’t right, then he’ll just stay with us. We don’t have to sell Hugo."

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