Chelsea have ramped up their pursuit of a striker ahead of the summer transfer window, as doubts continue to creep in over Liam Delap’s future.
Liam Delap’s future hangs in the balance as the club pivots toward signing a striker this summer. Despite joining with high expectations and a £30 million price tag last summer, Delap has endured a nightmare debut campaign, netting just three goals in 32 appearances across all competitions.
Joao Pedro has been superb, but Delap has done very little to help himself at Chelsea.
Chelsea officials are reportedly exploring a swap deal involving Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade to offload the struggling forward. And with the imminent arrival of Emanuel Emegha from Strasbourg, he is currently looking like a likely casualty.
And it looks like there’s more.
Say Chelsea can only strengthen in one position this summer, which ONE would you choose?👀
Chelsea v Port Vale - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
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A report from the Daily Mail claims that Chelsea have been active on the transfer front already, talking to the mother of Cologne forward Said El Mala.
Brighton have been exploring a deal with Cologne to sign El Mala and his brother Malek.
Said is 19 years old and one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting wingers, but Cologne want £35-£40m.
His form has also alerted Chelsea, who have spoken to his mother Sabrina, while Brentford and Fulham have also made enquiries.
You can only pick ONE, Chelsea fans 👀
Champions League qualification or FA Cup trophy for Chelsea
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What Said El Mala can bring to Chelsea
Said El Mala has enjoyed an explosive rise at 1. FC Köln, seeing him join the legendary company of Lukas Podolski as one of the few teenagers to hit double figures in a Bundesliga season.
At just 19, he is a versatile, two-footed attacker who primarily thrives on the left, using his acceleration and direct dribbling to cut inside and unleash.
To Chelsea, El Mala would bring the project potential the ownership craves, but with the immediate goal-scoring threat they currently lack out wide. His arrival would offer a dynamic alternative to Joao Pedro, providing a player capable of stretching defences or playing as a makeshift centre-forward.
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