Liam Delap Makes Decision Over Chelsea Future As Como Learn Transfer Stance | OneFootball

The latest on Chelsea's striker situation as Xabi Alonso faces several decisions. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Liam Delap prefers to stay in the Premier League if he leaves Chelsea this summer, amid interest from Italian club Como.

Last summer, Chelsea signed two strikers, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, as it was clear that former head coach Enzo Maresca had planned to replace Nicolas Jackson.

The former had an outstanding season, bagging 20 goals and nine assists despite Chelsea’s disappointing overall season. Delap, on the other hand, finished the campaign with just two goals and four assists.

Several factors likely negatively influenced Delap’s debut Chelsea season. The 23-year-old sustained a hamstring injury early last season that forced him out for two months and had a couple of other fitness-related absences.

Additionally, he was always expected to play second fiddle to Joao Pedro, too, given that the Brazil international was signed from Brighton and Hove Albion in a deal that could eventually be worth double the £30 million Chelsea paid to Ipswich Town for Delap.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of Delap’s 41 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea last term were from the bench (21). Some may argue Delap deserves another season to prove himself, but at Chelsea, chances do not come easily.

Joao Pedro remains the team’s first-choice number nine. Chelsea have also brought in two more strikers this summer, Emmanuel Emegha and the experienced Danny Welbeck, while Jackson returned from his loan at Bayern Munich.

There are just not enough spots for strikers in the squad for them all.

Delap likely one of Chelsea strikers to be cut

Young striker Marc Guiu is already high on Chelsea’s list of potential outgoings, having been left out of the pre-season tour in Australia and Asia.

Chelsea are also understood to be open to selling both Delap and Jackson.

Serie A side Como are reported to have made an initial approach to sign Delap on loan, but it remains unclear whether Chelsea would agree to a short-term deal.

Even more, according to talkSPORT, Delap himself has made it clear that he wants to stay in the Premier League.

Newcastle United and Everton are understood to be among the Premier League clubs to have shown interest in the Chelsea striker, though nothing concrete has materialised as of now.

The report also mentioned that Chelsea are demanding £40m for Delap, which is lower than the £50m valuation Chelsea were suggested to have placed on him earlier this summer, but would still represent a profit for the club.

Delap’s Premier League preference would obviously limit Chelsea’s options, but from the player’s perspective, it is quite understandable.