Former Premier League defender Paul Parker has said that Chelsea need to sign another striker as well as Nicolas Jackson in Enzo Maresca’s squad.
The Blues managed to hit their goals for the season by finishing in the top five in the Premier League and in turn, qualifying for the Champions League in Maresca’s first season in charge of the club.
They secured qualification by beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 over the weekend. They are now looking to secure a piece of silverware too by winning the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis on Wednesday night.
However, looking ahead to the summer, Chelsea are expected to sign a striker to add to their squad alongside Nicolas Jackson. Paul Parker believes that it has been a mistake for the Blues not to have added a striker before this summer.
He told ChelseaNews.com via Betano: “Having a second striker there will always help Chelsea because that’s cost them dearly. Whoever was doing their shopping for them, has virtually gone out and bought jackets, ties, shirts, but forgot trousers. To go out and not get them a second a striker, it doesn’t make any sense.”
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Parker also said that if the Blues were to add another striker, it would help Jackson, who has seen mixed form this season. The Senegal international has scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 30 Premier League matches.
“I think that would benefit him.” Parker added, “He’s a player who loves a challenge, he chases everything down, sometimes going a bit too far. He’s definitely got the fire in his belly.”
Chelsea have been ‘in talks’ with £30m striker
The Blues have been closely linked with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. They have reportedly been one of three Premier League clubs in talks with the attacker.
Delap has spoken to Man United and Newcastle too, but after qualifying for the Champions League, it puts the Blues in a great position to convince the 22-year-old with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
He has a £30m release clause in his contract at Ipswich, and has scored 12 goals in 37 games for the Tractor Boys in his first full Premier League season.
In other news, Chelsea have been backed to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, whose future at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr is uncertain.