Aasif Rahman

Sat 8 March 2025 16:50, UK

Chelsea fans have been given an update on the club’s striker search, with Ipswich’s Liam Delap frequently mentioned as a potential target this summer, and they aren’t impressed.

Chelsea‘s failure to bring in any attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window has left the squad facing a shortage of recognised strikers. The lack of a proven forward has become increasingly evident, especially with both Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu suffering injuries around the same time.

As a result, the club has had to rely on Christopher Nkunku and 17-year-old Shim Mheuka to fill the void up front. Chelsea fans have blamed the board for not securing any additional striker options when the opportunity arose and the current injuries.

In addition to Delap, Chelsea have been linked to names like Victor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen, but the latest update has placed the spotlight firmly on the Ipswich forward.

Chelsea face Premier League competition for Liam Delap amid summer move

David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed in an update that he “expects” the Blues to sign a striker in the summer, and following their interest in Ipswich’s Delap, he confirmed that “Chelsea aren’t his only suitors.”

He believes there is a “good chance” Delap could join a Champions League club next season, with Chelsea’s top-four hopes still uncertain [The Athletic].

Football Insider revealed on 23 February that Ipswich would be forced to sell Delap if they are relegated from the Premier League, as they currently sit five points from safety.

Despite this, Manchester United have also shown interest in Delap, as their own attacking issues continue to be a problem. Though their hopes of securing Champions League football relying on winning the Europa League.

Chelsea fans vent frustration over Liam Delap’s potential move with club’s struggles

It’s clear that Maresca’s side are struggling with their forward options, especially with current injuries limiting their attacking options.

Some Chelsea fans have even called for the club to recall Joao Felix from his loan at AC Milan, citing his positive start as a possible solution to the ongoing issues up front.

However, the link to Delap hasn’t exactly impressed the Chelsea fanbase. Many fans are questioning how the 22-year-old striker, who is only a year younger than Jackson, could be the answer to their goal-scoring woes.

One fan commented, “We really don’t need him” while another added, “He’s not what we need.” The frustration is evident as supporters look for a proven, high-quality solution to the club’s attacking struggles.