Here is a roundup of the top Chelsea news and gossip that we think you may have missed…
Pundit Emile Heskey has opened up and suggested that Liam Delap leaves Chelsea in the summer transfer window and makes a sensational return to former club Ipswich Town.
Delap, who has struggled for consistent minutes since arriving at CHELSEA, has spent recent seasons shifting between loan spells and bench roles, prompting concerns that his career risks losing momentum.
Heskey believes a return to Portman Road—where Delap previously impressed during a successful loan stint—would offer the stability, trust and regular football he needs to unlock his potential.
Asked to pick out the perfect next destination, Heskey urged Delap to consider a return to Ipswich: ‘I think returning to Ipswich Town would be a good option if they come up next season because the fans know him, he knows the club, and he’ll be given time to get back to his best self,’ Heskey told OLBG.
‘Liam Delap to Manchester United? Again, you don’t want to be a bit [part player], and that’s the tough one especially when you’re a younger one. You want to actually play and then move when you’re established.’
Rosenior, meanwhile, appears to have no desire to et Delap leave the club, and backed the young striker to only get better next season.
‘If you look at most players’ careers, after they have joined a club, it’s the second season they really take off,’ the Chelsea head coach recently said.
‘For Liam, he’s had some really, really good performances, but also his rhythm has been interrupted by injury. I’m really happy with Joao and really happy with Liam.’
IcChelseanews says…
CHELSEA may prefer another loan, but there is a strong case that Delap needs a permanent home to unlock his full potential. A return to Ipswich would provide continuity and a platform built around his strengths because we hate to see the lad struggling to play at his very best,
CHELSEA MAKES MARCADO MOVES
Chelsea have taken early steps in their bid to sign highly-rated Ecuadorian midfielder Patrik Mercado from Independiente del Valle, according to sources including TEAMtalk .
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of South America’s most dynamic midfield talents after a standout 2025 season in which he featured regularly, recording significant goals and assists whilst helping his club compete across domestic and continental competitions.
***CHELSEA***’s interest places them among several English sides monitoring Mercado’s situation ahead of what promises to be a frenetic summer transfer window. Brighton & Hove Albion, Bournemouth and Fulham are also reported to be tracking the midfielder closely, with clubs from across Europe ready to make moves for the Ecuador international.
Mercado has a contract with Independiente del Valle until at least 2027 and is valued at roughly $5.5 million — a relatively modest fee given his potential and emerging role with the Ecuador national team.
There are even reports linking him with a possible move to Spain’s Sevilla, although regulatory and registration hurdles may delay or complicate such deals.
IcChelseaNews Says…
Mercado represents a technically gifted midfielder with versatility and box-to-box energy — qualities that could enrich Chelsea’s midfield depth and inject youthful dynamism.
But Mercado might benefit from a club where he is guaranteed regular minutes; an immediate move to West London could see him competing for playing time rather than starting.
The lad may be talented, but to come to one of the biggest teams in the world with one of the best squads, we can see him getting lost in the system and becoming a talent that never was because he moved too early.
The summer is a few months away, but we are hoping this lad does not sign because he is not quite ready.
NMECHA PRICE SET
Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are reportedly prepared to sell midfielder Felix Nmecha to Chelsea this summer, with the Blues said to be willing to pay a fee in the region of £61 million, according to Bild.
While no agreement has been reached, sources around the Bundesliga side suggest internal discussions have begun over a potential high-value sale, with Dortmund open to parting ways with the 25-year-old if their valuation is met.
CHELSEA are believed to view Nmecha as a versatile midfield option who could add dynamism, athleticism and ball-carrying ability to an evolving squad.
Nmecha, who joined Dortmund from Wolfsburg a few summers ago, has shown flashes of major potential despite an injury-affected campaign. His blend of physicality, progressive passing and ability to operate as both a No. 8 and No. 10 has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, but Chelsea are currently the most strongly linked.
Would Nmecha be a good signing?
Chelsea may offer the clearer pathway. Their recruitment model has leaned heavily toward younger talents who can be developed over several seasons, and Nmecha would likely receive significant playing time in a midfield still seeking consistency and identity.
The project at Stamford Bridge—however turbulent at times—has a defined long-term direction centred on youth, which could appeal to a player still establishing himself at the elite level.
However – with all the quality midfielders that CHELSEA already have at the club, Nmecha would be joining a side that does not need anymore midfielders, we are totally stocked in that area.
But on pure quality, the lad would be worth the money as he has proven himself to be very good over in the Bundesliga.
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