Chelsea are now willing to break the bank for a "world-class" star, and they are pushing hard to get a deal over the line.
Blues pushing hard to sign new forward amid Delap criticism
Liam Delap has struggled to make a name for himself since arriving from Ipswich Town in the summer, and talkSPORT's Gabby Agbonlahor singled the striker out for heavy criticism in the wake of the EFL Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal on Tuesday night.
Agbonlahor said: "This isn’t working, I said when he joined Chelsea that I thought he should have gone to a team like Everton.
"Develop there for a couple of years and then make the big move to a top-six side. I think the jump from Ipswich to Chelsea was too much.
"When I look at him as a striker, I like him – he can hold up the ball well, he’s a good finisher, but he just doesn’t look sharp enough for the top level of the Premier League."
Liam Delap in action for Chelsea
The 22-year-old has struggled to get to grips with life at Stamford Bridge, netting just two goals in 21 matches in all competitions, and the west Londoners have now set their sights on a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Sport (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are now willing to break the bank to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, with the Spanish side holding out for at least €100m (£87m), but there could be competition for his signature.
Alvarez has been dropping hints that he wants to join La Liga giants Barcelona, while there is also interest from Arsenal, who have been pushing hard to get a deal done, alongside the Blues.
In fact, the Argentinian's agent, Fernando Hidalgo, recently travelled to the UK, where he may have held discussions with the two London clubs.
"World-class" Alvarez could be statement signing for Chelsea
With Delap struggling, and still inexperienced at the top level, it may be a savvy move to bring in a centre-forward this summer, and the Atletico Madrid star could be an exciting option, given that he has been ranked among the world's best.
The 26-year-old is experienced in the Champions League, netting 19 goals in 34 matches in the competition, while also providing seven assists, and he proved himself in the Premier League across two full seasons with Manchester City.
Julian Alvarez's attacking record Premier League appearances Goal involvements
2023-24 31 10
2024-25 36 21
Not only that, but the Argentina international has also received very high praise from football writer Owuraka Ampofo.
Alvarez has proven he could be a statement signing for Chelsea, so it is exciting news that BlueCo appear to be going all out to secure his signature.