With the summer window now in sight, Chelsea are stepping up the hunt to add attacking depth to their squad. In intense competition from home-based rivals, the Blues are exploring various channels to secure a dynamic forward who can boost their goal return. While a certain key target is getting nearer to a transfer elsewhere, Chelsea’s recruitment staff are already scouting lucrative alternatives—with an eye for players who can provide goals, as well as flexibility and longevity.
The Search for Attacking Reinforcements
Chelsea’s quest for a new centre-forward is no mystery. Even though they already possess Nicolas Jackson and young Marc Guiu in their midst, boss Enzo Maresca is looking to have more depth at the end of the pitch. The club has been actively pursuing Liam Delap, who shone while he was at Ipswich Town. Delap’s £30 million release clause means he is a value-for-money buy, particularly if Ipswich’s relegation releases him from their clutches.
🚨 Liam Delap could reject a summer transfer to Manchester United. It's believed he wants to play for a club competing in Europe, with Chelsea or Arsenal his preferred choices.
(Source: Daily Express) pic.twitter.com/55m4KxAaYf
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 15, 2025
Yet Chelsea are not alone in their affection. Manchester United have upped the ante to sign Delap and seem to be favorites at the moment. This development has led Chelsea to spread their net wider as they anticipate losing their number one target.
Among the players who are emerging on Chelsea’s radars is Brighton & Hove Albion‘s forward Georginio Rutter. The word versatile striker best describes Rutter, who has more to offer than your run-of-the-mill No 9. He can play anywhere in the front line—central, wide, or as a support player—and provide tactical flexibility in line with Maresca’s system that continues to develop.
Despite being currently out with a foot injury, Rutter’s overall contribution so far this season has impressed Chelsea’s scouts. In 34 games, the 22-year-old has notched eight goals and five assists. Not too shabby, and certainly not bad for his youthfulness or for doing so in a variety of attacking positions.
Rutter’s record as a striker makes him an interesting one for Chelsea at this point. They are currently thinking long term in terms of how to build ahead. His flexibility to be as much a playmaker as finished is exactly what gives him depth as a attacking template. Additionally, technically and positionally, he is a much better post- Premier League switch.
Brighton will not allow their record signing to depart without a hefty return. Leeds United signed Rutter for £40 million over the summer. The Seagulls will likely insist on a fee nearer £70 million if Chelsea make their interest official. Nevertheless, Chelsea’s past with Brighton having already completed deals for Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella, means that negotiations may prove productive.
Wider Transfer Plans in Motion for Chelsea
Chelsea’s activity in this window is not exclusive to forwards alone. The club is also working on signings to improve other sections of the team. They are reportedly in direct negotiations with a 26-year-old attacker. Although, his name has not been made public. A bid to re-sign old defender Marc Guehi is also being worked on. An alleged player-plus-cash bid worth over £50 million has reportedly been drawn up to convince Crystal Palace to sell the centre-back.
These moves confirm Chelsea’s intention to create a well-balanced, competitive team. With youth and experience blended, and emphasis on versatility and potential, the club appears determined to create a team that will perform consistently in all competitions.
Chelsea’s summer transfer business is looking to be aggressive and calculated. Though their number one striker is on the verge of slipping away, options such as Rutter offer exciting possibilities to bring creativity and depth to the team. The multi-talented striker can be the missing ink in Maresca’s attacking line. As talks continue and the transfer window approaches, supporters can look forward to a whirlwind of activity.
Which signing do you want Chelsea to prioritize? Let us know in the comments below!
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