Chelsea
Como have made an approach for Liam Delap, as per the latest Chelsea transfer news. The Italian club turned to the Chelsea striker after their move for Moise Kean broke down.
Como’s Transfer Plan Shifts After Kean Deal Stalls
As reported by GOAL, Como’s move for Kean broke down after Fiorentina rejected a bid worth €35 million. Como had already made two offers for Kean before turning their focus toward the Chelsea forward. Cesc Fabregas then told his staff to explore other strikers who could fit his pressing game plan. Como want a striker who can handle the physical side of Italian football at the top level.
Delap’s name came up fast once scouts saw his hold up play and sharp finishing near goal. Scouts also like how hard he presses and wins the ball back high up the pitch. That kind of pressing suits how Fabregas wants his front men to play under his system.
A striker like Liam Delap could help stretch defences in tight Serie A matches this season. Kean’s camp had pushed for terms that Como felt were hard to meet within their summer budget. That gap in the Kean talks is what opened the door for Delap’s name to emerge.
Delap’s stats in the 2025-26 season at Chelsea, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists
Premier League 28 1 0
FA Cup 6 0 3
EFL Cup 2 0 0
UCL 5 1 0
Why Liam Delap appeals to Como
Delap arrived at Chelsea from Ipswich Town for around £30 million last summer, beating Manchester United to his signature. He signed a long contract that runs until 2031 showing the level of trust Chelsea placed in him. Game time has been hard to find behind Joao Pedro in the Premier League this season. The summer arrival of Danny Welbeck has added even more competition up front. Some pundits feel the move to a top six club came a touch early in his career.
A fresh start in Serie A could give him the regular football he has missed this season. Liam Delap is known as a strong and mobile striker who can hold the ball under pressure. His size and his will to press from the front suit Fabregas’ style of play well. His work across the front line also opens up space for wingers who like to cut inside. Delap also has senior experience with England at Under 21 level, which adds to his profile.
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What could happen next in this Deal
Como boss Cesc Fabregas must now decide whether to turn early interest in Delap into a firm approach. The Blues are said to want £50 million if they sell the 23-year-old for good. Como would prefer a loan deal that sees Chelsea continue to cover part of his current wages. The two sides built good trust after the recent Trevoh Chalobah transfer went smoothly this summer. That trust could speed up talks if both sides move fast in the final weeks of the window.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Delap is open to the move as a fresh start in Italy. A medical and full contract talks would only follow once the two clubs agree on final terms. With the transfer window closing soon, both clubs want to move fast for a quick deal. Como fans will hope this deal moves faster than their long chase for Kean earlier in the window.