Summer transfer plans of Chelsea appear to be centering around bringing in a new striker, though the identity of that signing is still up in the air. The club has been exploring several potential targets, and one name that has emerged as a leading contender is Liam Delap. Currently at Ipswich Town, the young forward has impressed with his physical presence, relentless work rate, and natural goal-scoring instincts. At just 21, Delap offers both potential and immediate impact, and with a reported £30 million relegation release clause in his contract. He represents a relatively affordable option in today’s market, thus making him an appealing prospect for the Blues.
However, Chelsea will be wary of putting all their eggs in one basket again. That is a mistake they seemed to make last summer during their lengthy pursuit of Victor Osimhen. The club spent much of the window chasing the Nigerian striker, thus only to ultimately going overboard for a deal. With no proper backup plan in place, they were left heavily reliant on Nicolas Jackson. That gamble proved costly when Jackson picked up an injury. Hence, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side without a natural striker for a critical stretch of the season. The absence of a reliable frontman during that period led to dropped points, significantly hurting their push for a top-four finish.
Vlahovic will be a good option for Chelsea
Chelsea are keeping their striker options open this summer, with interest reportedly growing in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic. While his wages might be a stumbling block, his profile fits Chelsea’s need for a powerful, proven striker. That is especially after last year’s struggles with squad depth. However, no formal talks have taken place yet, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Juventus are reportedly eager to offload Dusan Vlahovic this summer due to his substantial wages. As per expectations, these will rise to €12 million net per year in the final season of his contract . With his current deal expiring in 2026 and contract renewal talks stalling, the club is open to selling him to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are showing interest as well.
Possibility of Vlahovic in Stamford Bridge is still low
Surprisingly at a €50 million price tag, it’s hard to imagine Chelsea moving for Dusan Vlahovic. His hefty wages seem even more out of place within Chelsea’s current wage structure than they do at Juventus. The rumours linking him to a Stamford Bridge switch feel more like they’re facing pressure from the Juventus side. Thus, likely in an effort to stir up interest in a player they’re clearly eager to offload before his contract runs down.
Of course, everything should be under consideration. That is if the sporting directors truly believe Dusan Vlahovic could be a game-changer for Chelsea, they might explore a compromise on wages or structure a deal creatively. However, given the current financial strategy and wage discipline at the club, it still feels unlikely. For now, it’s not something we’re counting on.
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