Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Liam Delap after the Chelsea striker was left out of Xabi Alonso’s squad for Monday’s Premier League victory over Fulham.
The 23-year-old is open to the move, with Forest emerging ahead of Everton and Leeds United in the race for his signature.
The Guardian reports that Forest are negotiating with Chelsea over Delap, although no agreement has been announced.
🚨 Chelsea are demanding £40m for Liam Delap. Nottingham Forest is worth keeping an eye on in the race for Delap.
(@alex_crook & @JacobsBen) #CFC pic.twitter.com/n8KYGxwq31
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) August 16, 2026
Liam Delap Nottingham Forest transfer gathers pace
Delap’s position at Stamford Bridge has become increasingly uncertain after Joao Pedro established himself as Alonso’s first-choice striker.
Pedro inherited Chelsea’s No.9 shirt before the new season and scored after just 31 seconds against Fulham. Delap, meanwhile, did not feature among the substitutes listed in Chelsea’s confirmed matchday squad at Craven Cottage.
ReadChelsea previously reported that Forest were monitoring Delap when Chelsea’s valuation was placed around £40million.
More recent BBC reporting places Chelsea’s asking price closer to £50million, although the final fee and structure of any agreement remain unclear.
A permanent transfer has not been confirmed, and a loan arrangement has not been ruled out.
Chelsea striker faces Stamford Bridge exit
Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town for £30million last summer after scoring 12 Premier League goals during the 2024/25 season.
Chelsea confirmed he signed a contract until 2031 when completing his move from Ipswich, leaving the club in a strong contractual position despite his difficult first campaign.
He scored once in the Premier League last season and has fallen behind Pedro in Alonso’s attacking hierarchy.
Forest want additional firepower under Oliver Glasner after losing their opening league match against Leeds. Delap would provide competition for Chris Wood and Igor Jesus if negotiations result in an agreement.
Chelsea are also considering other attacking departures, with Manchester City showing surprise interest in £25million-rated Marc Guiu.
For Delap, Forest’s approach represents the clearest opportunity yet to secure regular Premier League football away from Stamford Bridge.
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