New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is making his presence felt at Stamford Bridge already, even with his arrival not official yet.
The Spaniard has been confirmed to be the next permanent manager in west London, with his role officially taking effect from July 1st, as the Blues replace Liam Rosenior following his sacking earlier this year.
But while he is yet to officially take charge of the club, it has emerged that recruitment plans are already being discussed with the iconic former midfielder, and he is looking at bringing in several new players this summer to strengthen the squad.
Xabi Alonso Wants a New Striker
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso
Reports suggest that the former Real Madrid boss is eyeing up a new striker at Stamford Bridge, with Joao Pedro being at his best in a more withdrawn role, while Emmanuel Emegha has already agreed a deal to join from sister club Strasbourg.
But with another forward being eyed, Pete O'Rourke has told Football Insider that should Alonso get his way, then it could force Liam Delap out of the club just 12 months after he arrived from Ipswich Town.
"Chelsea, a lot will depend on if they’re bringing a new striker in the summer, if they’re bringing a new big striker to come in and play in the side," he said.
“That’d obviously push Delap down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and that might force the player to consider his options as well, in that respect.”
Delap signed in a £30m deal on a six-year contract worth around £100,000-a-week, but has managed just one goal this season, and is understood to be attracting interest from the likes of Everton heading into the transfer window.
Liam Delap Has No Chelsea Future
Chelsea's Liam Delap tussles with Wrexham's Callum Doyle.
Chelsea's Liam Delap tussles with Wrexham's Callum Doyle.
Delap arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer with a growin reputation after a fine season with Ipswich, but he has proven that the step up was simply too big for him at this stage.
Competing with the likes of Joao Pedro to be the main man, he has found regular game time hard to come by, and as a result, his form has dropped off a cliff. Playing regularly and scoring goals would be huge for him, and that will only happen away from Chelsea.
Alonso tends to prefer a different type of striker, and with a new signing likely to arrive, it makes sense for him to move on and prioritise regular game time over his big contract. It's clear that his future at the club is bleak, and it's the right thing for everyone for a move to happen.
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