Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Emmanuel Emegha following his arrival at Chelsea.
At one stage, it was even claimed that Chelsea were willing to sell the striker despite having just signed him from Strasbourg.
However, a loan always seemed more likely, although that no longer appears to be an option either.
Todd Boehly and Mark Walter graphic
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Emmanuel Emegha set to stay at Chelsea
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have now decided that Emegha will remain with Xabi Alonso’s squad for the 2026/27 campaign.
Emegha missed Chelsea’s pre-season tour because of injury so did not get a chance to impress his new manager.
The Blues, though, have clearly seen enough of the 23-year-old at Strasbourg to be convinced of his qualities.
Emmanuel Emegha scores for Strasbourg against Crystal Palace
Photo by Frederick FLORIN / AFP via Getty Images
Emegha will now be hoping to make his Chelsea debut when Alonso’s side travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham next Monday.
The likes of Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra could also make their official debuts for the club in the west London derby.
What Xabi Alonso’s striker options are likely to be this season
Emegha staying at Chelsea is almost certain to push all three of Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu out of the club.
Guiu was always expected to leave, but Jackson’s and Delap’s futures have been up in the air.
Jackson enjoyed working under Alonso in pre-season, while Delap grabbed a brace against Johor Darul Ta’zim, but there is not enough room in the squad for the duo.
Ultimately, it looks as though Joao Pedro, Emegha and Danny Welbeck will be the three centre-forwards in Alonso’s squad this term.
Pedro is quite a versatile attacker, but he prefers playing as a No.9, and there is not a better one at Stamford Bridge. Emegha could learn a lot from the Brazilian.
Will this strike force be enough to get Chelsea back into the Champions League? We will have to wait and see.