The last few weeks of the 2024/25 campaign are vital for Chelsea. The Blues are pushing for a top-five finish, which would see them return to the Champions League.
However, they are currently just outside the top five on 54 points, one point behind Manchester City, who occupy the final fifth spot.
Of course, after the league is done, the Blues will travel to the United States of America for the Club World Cup, where they are one of 32 teams vying for the illustrious prize. It will be interesting to see if they look to make any new signings before the competition starts.
There is a special transfer window open for the first 10 days of June, where Chelsea could make a move for Liam Delap.
The latest on Chelsea’s move for Delap
One of the most intriguing transfer sagas that seems set to develop this summer involves Ipswich Town striker Delap. He has been sensational for the Tractor Boys this term, which has attracted the attention of several elite clubs.
One of those sides is Chelsea, with a recent report from TEAMTalk explaining the situation. The Blues are reportedly ‘very keen on bringing Delap to Stamford Bridge to be the new focal point of their attack’ this summer.
However, they will face competition from several Premier League rivals. Manchester United reportedly lead the race, and Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also interested in Delap.
The striker has a relegation release clause worth just £30m, which seems like a steal. The 22-year-old has 12 goals and two assists in 31 Premier League games for a side that has just 33 goals this season.
Delap is an exciting market opportunity for Chelsea, and for just £30m, seems a bargain. However, they have an attacker who is worth more than the Ipswich star.
The Chelsea player worth more than Delap
Enzo Maresca is not short of wide options at Stamford Bridge, given the amount of money Chelsea have spent in recent seasons. One of the most exciting at his disposal is arguably Noni Madueke.
It has been an impressive season for the 23-year-old, whose performances have seen him become a full international with England. Madueke, who has recently recovered from a hamstring injury, has managed ten goals and four assists in 32 appearances this term.
Of those goal involvements, ten have come in the top flight, with perhaps his best performance in the same competition. Madueke scored a fantastic hat-trick in a 6-2 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the start of the campaign.
The right-winger is an exciting player, confident in taking on players one-vs-one and unleashing a shot on his stronger left foot. In fact, football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as someone with “enormous potential”, and Chelsea fans have certainly been privy to that at times during his Blues career so far.
The underlying stats, courtesy of Sofascore, show just how well Madueke has performed this term. For example, this season in the Premier League, the Blues’ number 11 averages 1.7 key passes and the same number of completed dribbles per game.
Shots on target
27
1.5
Key passes
30
1.7
Successful dribbles
30
1.7
Tackles and interceptions
27
1.5
Expected goal involvements
10.6xGI
0.59xGI
With that in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that Madueke is valued even higher than Delap, according to Football Transfers. He is thought to be worth £44.8m, almost £15m more than the Ipswich striker’s relegation release clause.
Chelsea fans must be licking their lips at the thought of Delap and Madueke potentially linking up at Stamford Bridge next season. There is no doubt that the England international is an exciting player, who they will hope can continue to develop into an elite winger.
Chelsea can forget Delap by unleashing "Cobham's finest" 17-year-old star
Chelsea’s Cobham jewel could already be their answer to Liam Delap
1 ByConnor HoldenApr 15, 2025