How Chelsea could line up with Liam Delap

Chelsea are expected to sign a new centre forward during the 2025 summer transfer window and they have identified Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as their priority target.

Victor Osimhen was close to securing a Stamford Bridge switch last year, but the Blues were unable to finalise an agreement with Napoli and they have now turned their attention to completing a deal for Delap.

In fact, FootballTransfers understands that Chelsea will go “all in” to sign the Ipswich star this summer.

EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea go ‘all in’ for Liam Delap

Nicolas Jackson endured a notable dip in form before suffering an injury in early February, and bringing a new striker to west London has been identified as a key target for the upcoming summer window.

Enzo Maresca is a known admirer of Delap, following their time together at Manchester City, and Chelsea are pushing to bring him to Stamford Bridge later this year.

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How Chelsea could line up with Liam Delap

Goalkeeper remains a huge issue for Chelsea and they may look to address the problem this summer. Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have both made high-profile errors so far this season, although the latter appears to have worked his way into Maresca’s preferred starting XI and he may keep his place next year.

Reece James and Wesley Fofana are still extremely injury-prone, although they are both included in Chelsea’s best defensive unit, alongside Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.

Romeo Lavia has shown glimpses of huge promise since his arrival from Southampton, but he is also injured consistently, meaning Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have established themselves as Chelsea’s favoured midfield pivot.

Cole Palmer will provide creativity in an attacking midfield role, while Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto will likely be deployed out wide.

Jackson could keep his place as Chelsea’s first choice striker for the 2025-26 campaign, although Delap will expect to become an immediate starter if he moves to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea starting XI with Liam Delap

GK: Filip Jorgensen

RB: Reece James

CB: Wesley Fofana

CB: Levi Colwill

LB: Marc Cucurella

CM: Moises Caicedo

CM: Enzo Fernandes

RW: Noni Madueke

CAM: Cole Palmer

LW: Pedro Neto

ST: Liam Delap