Chelsea Set for Jackson and Delap Exits as Alonso Backs New Strike Pair

Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap look to be heading out of Chelsea before the transfer window closes, with both forwards left out of Xabi Alonso’s squad at the weekend.

Neither player featured in the 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday, a clear signal as speculation over their futures gathers pace and Alonso sharpens his plans for the season.

Jackson is back at Stamford Bridge after a loan spell at Bayern Munich, but his return already feels temporary. Chelsea value the Senegal international at around £65m, and Aston Villa have emerged as serious admirers as they weigh up a move for the 23-year-old.

Delap’s situation is even more stark. After a disappointing first campaign in blue, he has effectively been put in the shop window. Two goals in 41 appearances tell their own story, and Chelsea are prepared to sanction his departure just a year after paying £30m to sign him from Ipswich.

The offers are not short in coming. Italian side Como have registered their interest, sensing an opportunity to revive the 23-year-old’s career on the shores of Lake Como. Delap, though, would rather stay in the Premier League. Everton, Fulham and Nottingham Forest have all been linked, each club looking for a powerful forward who can be reshaped in a new environment.

Direction of Travel

The direction of travel is clear. According to Sky Sports, both Jackson and Delap are now considered likely to leave before the window shuts, as Alonso commits to a different path up front.

New Strike Pair

The Chelsea head coach is ready to move forward with Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck as his main options at number nine, a pairing that underlines his preference for mobility, link play and pressing from the front over raw penalty-box presence.

Two big-money forwards out, a new hierarchy in attack taking shape. Chelsea’s summer rebuild is losing none of its edge.