Chelsea are entering this summer's transfer window ahead of a return to UEFA Champions League football. The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League and Enzo Maresca will be keen to strengthen his squad, particularly in attack where there is a desperate need for a new centre-forward.
The west Londoners have been linked with several high-profile names, including Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. Delap looks the likeliest arrival, after Manchester United, who are also interested, failed to qualify for Europe.
But another attacker who is on the club's agenda is closing in on a move but won't arrive until the summer of 2026. This may suggest that transfer officials are planning for the future and the present.
Chelsea set to sign Strasbourg's Emanuel Emegha
Emanuel Emegha
Chelsea want Emanuel Emegha | Franco Arland/GettyImages
Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea are "planning a potential pre-agreement" for Emanuel Emegha. The 22-year-old striker won't be arriving at Stamford Bridge this summer and will stay with current club Strasbourg next season.
Emegha is an exciting young Dutch attacker who has caught the eye with his pace and threat on the counter-attack. He's managed 14 goals in 27 Ligue 1 games, finishing joint-sixth in the goalscoring charts.
The proposed switch holds similarities to Chelsea's deals for Geovany Quenda and Estevao. Quenda has joined the club in a £40m deal but won't join until the 2026-27 season.
Strasbourg are, of course, a sister club, which makes a deal for Emegha easier and is largely why the Blues are leading the race for the nine-cap Netherlands U21 international. Other clubs have shown interest but a move to Stamford Bridge is looking increasingly likely.
Blues must be confident of successful striker search
Liam Delap
Liam Delap is the top target | Richard Pelham/GettyImages
The fact that the club are willing to allow Emegha to stay at Strasbourg next season suggests the recruitment team feel they are positioned well to find a new much-needed number nine. It will be interesting to see who arrives at Stamford Bridge but allowing the Dutch youngster to continue developing at Stade de la Meinau.
Ben Jacobs reports that Chelsea are "optimistic" of winning the race for Ipswich frontman Delap. The club are seemingly favorites after United's Europa League final defeat.
Delap will cost £30m as he has a release clause that has come to fruition following his club's relegation. But there's an argument to be had that he's just as unproven as Emegha if the Blues are counting on him leading the line under Maresca next season.
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