It was clear that a striker was high on the agenda for potential signings to be made by Chelsea in the January transfer window.
Nicolas Jackson is enduring a nightmare spell in front of goal right now, and the Blues have been crying out for another option to play up top.
One of the names linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge was Liam Delap, who is in the middle of a fine first season in the Premier League.
Liam Delap of Ipswich Town celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Southampton FC at P…
The Englishman is now level with Jackson for goals this season, and his individual statistics make for impressive reading.
Chelsea could have signed Liam Delap in January if Carney Chukwuemeka joined Ipswich Town
Chelsea are seen by many as the favourites to sign Delap in the summer, and will almost certainly return to the scene when the transfer window opens again.
However, there was actually a chance they could have moved forward with the addition last month, and it relied on Carney Chukwuemeka.
Simon Phillips stated that if the midfielder had joined Ipswich on loan, the Blues would have had a far bigger chance of signing Delap.
He said on his Substack: “Chelsea spoke to Ipswich at least three times asking for Liam Delap this window and also had open communications with his agent. Player was keen but would not actively push.
“They could have got him for around £50-£60m this window but the belief is that they have now laid down the foundations to get him much cheaper in the summer.
“If Carney Chukwuemeka agreed to a move to Ipswich and Chelsea could have agreed a fee, then this could have advanced.”
Ipswich reportedly asked about Chukwuemeka during the transfer window, however he ended up making a move to Borussia Dortmund for the rest of the campaign.
New Signing Carney Chukwuemeka of Borussia Dortmund on February 2, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany.
Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images
Chelsea’s striker options for this season
With no addition in January, it is expected faith is going to continue to be put into Jackson by Enzo Maresca.
Christopher Nkunku is another option after he didn’t get his expected January move, although the manager seems to rate him in a position behind the frontman.
Last night’s win over West Ham saw Marc Guiu introduced to the fray just a few minutes after half-time, and his impact on proceedings certainly suggested he has a role to play in the Premier League this season.
