Chelsea are reported to have laid “significant” groundwork on signing one striker ahead of the summer window, with the foundations of a potential deal even described as “done”.
Chelsea miss out on centre-forward in January
Despite being linked with a host of high-profile centre-forwards like Mathys Tel, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Dušan Vlahović and others throughout January, manager Enzo Maresca ended the winter transfer window empty-handed when it comes to fresh attacking options.
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Chelsea seal foreign league “record transfer” for striker after announcement
The west Londoners have added another player to their growing pool.
While the currently-injured Nicolas Jackson started this season imperiously in front of goal, with super-sub Christopher Nkunku also contributing double figures off the bench in cup competitions, the Senegalese’s absence was felt in their FA Cup defeat to Brighton last weekend.
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Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Brighton (away) |
February 14th |
|
Aston Villa (away) |
February 22nd |
|
Southampton (home) |
February 25th |
|
Leicester City (home) |
March 9th |
|
Arsenal (away) |
March 16th |
Chelsea have been urged to sign a world-class, prolific striker for quite some time now, and sectors of supporters were disappointed they didn’t bring one in before winter transfer deadline day on February 3rd.
They’ve got targets on the agenda for this summer, though, and one man high on their shortlist is Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap.
The Englishman has scored nine goals and assisted two others in 25 appearances across all competitions this season, impressive numbers for a relegation-threatened side, with Chelsea speaking to both the player’s camp and Ipswich in recent months.
Chelsea held talks with Ipswich over signing Delap before January, according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, and contact was also made with the 22-year-old’s representatives as they gauge the possibility of a transfer this year.
Chelsea could sign Liam Delap before June 15 with groundwork “done”
Phillips, sharing another update on his Substack, says Delap is currently the most likely number nine to join Chelsea before the end of 2025.
The reporter relayed news from a top Stamford Bridge source that Chelsea’s work over signing Delap is already “done” after January talks, and if all goes to plan, they’ll look to complete a deal for the former Man City starlet before the Club World Cup – which starts on June 15th.
“Our source has said that Chelsea have now laid down significant groundwork to sign Liam Delap in the summer,” wrote Phillips.
“There are no claims of this being a pre-deal agreed or anything yet, but a lot of the work was done in the January window when Chelsea spoke to Ipswich Town and the agents of the player on a number of occasions.
“The work is done for the summer and our source says that if all goes to plan, then Chelsea will be looking to get him signed on ahead of the CWC.
“It is important to note that nothing is done here yet, and Chelsea are also continuing to look at and talk to other names as well just in case they cannot get Delap done, or any other better deals or opportunities present.”
While this is good news, it is also worth noting that Man City could yet spoil the party, as they have a £20 million buy-back clause inserted into Delap’s contract. Chelsea, meanwhile, could have to spend around £50 million.
