It's set to be a crucial summer for Chelsea as their first full season under Enzo Maresca draws to a close.
The west Londoners travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon with a place in next season's Champions League on the line. Chelsea currently sit in fifth position but, with just a point separating them from Forest, it is a must-win fixture for the Blues.
Attention will then turn to the summer transfer window and strengthening the squad, where possible. At present, the striker position appears to be an area of uncertainty, with both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku facing unclear futures at Stamford Bridge.
Widespread reports across recent weeks have suggested that Chelsea are among the clubs pursuing a transfer for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The ex-Manchester City forward is expected to be available for around £30million this summer following Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League.
Manchester United and Newcastle are also said to be in the race, although Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna confirmed on Friday that the 22-year-old is currently evaluating his options. "Liam's looking at his options for next year, which I think he is entitled to do and we support him with that," McKenna told the media.
"I think we have given him permission to do that this week. It's a very important decision for his future. Of course, there is a lot of interest, and rightly so. I think part of his week has been having some of those conversations."
Should Chelsea win the race for Delap, then a large portion of the transfer fee could, potentially, be offset by the sale of Nkunku. A report from journalist Fabrizio Romano on Friday claims the French forward is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after a challenging spell at the club.
His debut season following a switch from RB Leipzig in 2023 was disrupted by a series of injuries - including issues with his knee, hip and hamstring. He missed over 40 matches across the campaign, which significantly hindered his chances of establishing himself as a first-team regular.
Under Maresca, the 27-year-old has scored 14 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions, but has also started just nine Premier League games. Newcastle, Juventus and Liverpool have been linked with Nkunku, over recent weeks, although it remains to be seen whether any of those clubs will formalise their interest.
Reports state Chelsea will demand a fee in the region of £59million for Nkunku this summer, given that he still has four years remaining on his contract. That would represent a profit on the £52million that they paid to RB Leipzig in 2023, and would be nearly double the estimated cost of signing Delap.
From a Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) perspective, the sale of Nkunku would provide a significant financial boost ahead of a possible return to the Champions League. That being said, whether Chelsea can realistically command that level of fee for a player who has struggled to secure a regular starting role remains to be seen - although his improved fitness record this season will no doubt be taken into account.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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