‘Chelsea make Christopher Nkunku decision after huge Liam Delap gesture’
Christopher Nkunku could be in line for a Chelsea exit this summer, after the Blues gave new signing Liam Delap a massive vote of confidence with their recent gesture.
Enzo Maresca’s side are set for a busy transfer window, as they aim to improve on their recent fourth-place finish in the Premier League.
The West London side experienced European success as well in the 2024/25 campaign, beating Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference League final.
However, next season they are back in the Champions League, and will need to make the necessary additions to their squad to cope with the demands of the competition.
Delap given No.9 shirt
Chelsea confirmed the signing of Delap on Wednesday (4 June), after triggering his £30million release clause.
The 22-year-old scored 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys last season, as well as picking up two assists for the relegated side.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 37 | 12 | 2 |
The Blues have given Delap the number nine shirt, which hasn’t been worn by anyone since
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left in 2023, indicating that he will be Maresca’s starting centre forward next season.
However, this could mean that Nkunku will be leaving Chelsea this summer, after being pushed even further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old has had a dismal campaign for the Blues, scoring just three Premier League goals, and he will now drop behind both Delap and Nicolas Jackson in the striker role.
Delap can break number nine curse
It is no secret that past Chelsea number nines have failed miserably, which correlates with the club struggling to find a competent striker in the past few seasons.
Fernando Torres, Radamel Falcao, Alvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuain, and Romelu Lukaku are just a few of those who haven’t hit the heights expected of them while wearing the nine on their back.
However, Delap looks like he could be the one to break the curse, with the 22-year-old clearly possessing bags of potential.
In a dismal Ipswich side, the England under-21 international was the shining light, impressing with his strong hold-up play and clinical finishing ability.
If Delap starts firing for Chelsea, then they could be up at the sharp end of the Premier League next season.