It's been a difficult year for Liam Delap and Joao Pedro's form hasn't helped matters. | OneFootball

Joao Pedro proved why he is Chelsea's number one striker after his hat-trick in pre-season. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea are considering Liam Delap's future this summer, and Joao Pedro's start to pre-season will be rubbing salt into the striker's wounds.

Delap joined Chelsea last summer from Ipswich Town after the Blues beat Manchester United to secure his services for £30 million.

Despite 41 appearances in all competitions last season, Delap was only able to net two goals and contribute four assists.

Delap had a stop-start start to life at Stamford Bridge after picking up a hamstring injury, seeing him miss six league matches in September through until the end of October.

His discipline was also questioned at times. He received five yellow cards across the season, as well as one red card (second booking).

Liam Delap in action with Western Sydney Wanderers' Anthony Pantazopoulos during pre-season. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Meanwhile, Joao Pedro also arrived in the same summer from Brighton and Hove Albion. His fortunes were slightly different, in a more positive light for Chelsea.

The Brazilian, who harshly missed out on World Cup selection this summer, scored 20 goals and racked up nine assists in 50 appearances, showing why Chelsea decided to bring him to the club.

Joao Pedro's future at Chelsea is certain. He's seen as a key player. Meanwhile, Delap is already facing uncertainty. The comparison of goals and assists between the duo last season gives the Blues good reason to reassess and look into the transfer market.

Emmanuel Emegha has arrived from RC Strasbourg, while Danny Welbeck is closing in on a move from Brighton to bolster the attack. Marc Guiu is expected to leave on loan or permanently, and Nicolas Jackson's future is also unclear.

Delap is keen to stay and prove himself. After all, he signed a contract until 2031. However, it may be taken out of his hands.

Everton, Fulham and Nottingham Forest have shown interest in the former Manchester City academy star, and should the right offer come in, Chelsea may look to cut ties with the forward already.

He is currently with the squad on their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. He started in the 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday; however, he was unable to get on the scoresheet.

Joao Pedro came off the bench after the hour mark and managed to bag a nine-minute hat-trick, offering an immediate impact to help the Blues to victory.

Joao Pedro striking to score Chelsea's fifth goal against Western Sydney Wanderers. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

Some players are the perfect fit for clubs, and some aren't and can't hit the ground running. Unfortunately, for Delap, it looks like he has fallen into the latter category. It doesn't look like his time in west London is going to be a success.

He still has time to show why he is worthy of staying, but with the signings Alonso is making, it looks increasingly likely that Delap is falling down the pecking order and could become surplus to requirements come the start of the season.