Liam Delap’s ‘first priority’ revealed after Chelsea agree Danny Welbeck deal
Liam Delap currently has no plans to leave Chelsea this summer despite Danny Welbeck's imminent arrival, sources have told Football Insider.
Delap struggled to make his mark at Chelsea last season following a £30million move from Ipswich Town.
He has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer after scoring just three goals in 48 appearances.
New Blues boss Xabi Alonso is keen to bolster his striking options during the transfer window, and they have agreed a deal to sign veteran Brighton forward Welbeck.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Delap is still keen to impress his new manager and fight for his place in the squad.
He is set to be competing for minutes with Welbeck, Joao Pedro and Emanuel Emegha, while Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are set to move on.
Liam Delap wants Chelsea stay despite game time uncertainty
Delap was only handed 12 starts in the Premier League last season while battling with Pedro to lead the line for the Blues.
Welbeck's arrival is set to limit his game time even further, but the 23-year-old remains confident that he can keep his place in their squad for 2026-27.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Delap won't be short of offers or options if he does end up leaving Chelsea, but I think his first priority is to have a good pre-season and see if he can secure a place in Alonso's thinking at Stamford Bridge.
"He obviously had a very difficult first season at Stamford Bridge due to injury, and he obviously didn't score as many goals as he would have hoped too as well.
"The arrival of Danny Welbeck will maybe push him down the pecking order, and if Chelsea do open the door for him to leave then the player might have to consider his options.
"Delap’s not thinking about a move away from Chelsea. He wants to stay in fight for his place until he's told otherwise."
Which clubs have been linked to signing Delap?
Delap may have struggled at Chelsea, but his impressive 12-goal top-flight campaign at Ipswich means he is attracting interest from several clubs this summer.
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign Delap, with Alejandro Garnacho already heading from Stamford Bridge to the Second City in this window.
Everton are also poised to make a move for his services as David Moyes aims to improve his striking options, while Leeds and Nottingham Forest are believed to hold an interest too.