A clear candidate has emerged at the front of the queue for Chelsea when it comes to potential strikers who will join the club this summer.
The Blues are expected to sign a striker after deciding not to bring one in during the January window, a decision which quickly backfired on deadline day.
As Chelsea beat West Ham, both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu were forced off the pitch with injuries, with neither returning to the squad as of yet.
Enzo Maresca has deployed a number of different options in the absence of a natural striker, with so far Pedro Neto proving the most impressive candidate.
Liam Delap expected to move to Champions League side amid Chelsea interest
With the summer window still months away from opening, the Blues have Liam Delap high up on their shortlist for a new addition in that position.
Chelsea are seen as the favourites to sign Delap following his excellent first season in the Premier League for Ipswich.
| Liam Delap Premier League stats | Total |
| Games | 26 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Shots | 51 |
| Chances created | 19 |
| Duels won | 116 |
| Successful dribbles | 30 |
Despite being likely to return to the negotiating table with the relegation-threatened club in the summer, Chelsea have been handed a blow in their efforts to sign Delap.
According to David Ornstein, Delap is likely to move to a side in the Champions League next season, a competition Chelsea are by no means guaranteed to qualify for.
He told The Athletic: “I revealed the Delap interest in November, but Chelsea aren’t his only suitors. I suspect there’s a good chance his next move is to a Champions League club and, if so, that is a factor yet to be determined.”
Delap’s thoughts on joining Chelsea
Delap could realistically have been a Chelsea player in January, with Ipswich wanting Carney Chukwuemeka in exchange before he moved to Borussia Dortmund.
The English striker stayed put, however Delap is keen on joining Chelsea should the opportunity arise.
It is believed the former Manchester City man would back himself to become the number one striker at Stamford Bridge ahead of current options Jackson and Guiu.
Qualifying for the Champions League remains a very realistic possibility, however Chelsea will have to find some form in the latter weeks of the season to hold off efforts from the likes of Newcastle and Bournemouth to top them.
