Chelsea’s rebuild under Xabi Alonso has thrown up an unlikely subplot this summer, and it centers on young striker Liam Delap. After a difficult debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, the 23-year-old has been made available for transfer, and the list of admirers keeps growing. The latest name to enter the conversation is Aston Villa, whose reported enquiry has raised eyebrows given the club’s earlier reluctance to get involved.
Delap’s situation at Chelsea has shifted dramatically since his £30million arrival from Ipswich Town. Xabi Alonso has made clear that Joao Pedro is his first-choice option through the middle, and with the club tying Pedro down to a new long-term deal, the writing has been on the wall for Delap for some time. Chelsea sources have indicated they expect him to have left Stamford Bridge before the end of August, which has only intensified the scramble among suitors.
Everton have generally been viewed as favourites to land him, having already opened talks with Chelsea over an asking price in the region of £40million. But Aston Villa’s fresh interest complicates that picture, especially with Tottenham and Manchester United also said to be monitoring developments closely. It’s a notable turnaround for Villa, who were previously reported to have rejected the chance to sign Delap outright, preferring a more dynamic option to strengthen Unai Emery’s attack.
Whatever prompted the change of heart, Delap’s situation looks set to remain one of the more crowded storylines as the transfer window edges toward its close. With four Premier League clubs circling and Chelsea eager to move him on, the coming days should bring more clarity on where the young striker ends up next.
