Chelsea are laying the groundwork for their summer transfer plans as the club look to add proven quality before the start of next season.
BlueCo have spent well over £1 billion on new signings since they took over from Roman Abramovich in May 2022, but not all money has been well spent.
The club have predominately targeted young, high potential players, and that has come at a cost. Although over £200 million was spent on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo combined, the side lack leadership and a winning mentality.
Determined to get it right this summer, Chelsea's sporting department are believed to be prioritising a different type of player, including a new centre forward.
Joao Pedro has had a decent first season at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian, who joined from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer, has scored 19 goals in all competitions, but the same cannot be said for Liam Delap.
Delap is among the candidates for worst signing of the season. He has found the back of the net just once in the Premier League and has fallen way short of expectations, and according to recent reports, this has forced the Blues to look at other options.
Chelsea make contact with Darwin Nunez's agent over shock summer transfer
Similarly to Delap, Darwin Nunez has endured a different campaign.
The Uruguay international shocked fans last summer by leaving Liverpool in favour of a lucrative move to Saudi side Al-Hilal, and, like Delap, it definitely hasn't worked out like would have hoped.
Despite being one of Al-Hilal's biggest names, the 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order following Karim Benzema's arrival. Consequently, according to TEAMtalk, the former Liverpool hitman is actively pushing for a way back into Europe.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are being kept informed on Nunez's situation but Chelsea have also made contact with the striker's representatives.
Nunez willing to take huge paycut to make Premier League return
The Blues' sporting department are believed to be conducting background checks ahead of what would be a surprising Premier League return for the South American, but just how much would a transfer set BlueCo back?
Currently, Chelsea's highest-paid players are Wesley Fofana and captain Reece James, who both pick up around £200,000-per week. James' new contract could see him earn significantly more than that in bonuses, though.
Nunez's deal at Al-Hilal sees him earn over £400,000-per week, though, but acknowledging he is unlikely to receive the same kind of offer from clubs in Europe, the forward is prepared to take a significant pay-cut.
As a result of the players' desire to leave the Saudi Pro League, Chelsea have been advised that agreeing personal terms won't be a problem if they're serious about bringing the 26-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea prepared to let Liam Delap leave
Should Chelsea sign Nunez, or another other top striker in the summer, Delap is likely to be the one who is sacrificed.
The 23-year-old's situation, which could see him give up on his dreams of playing for England, is attracting interest from Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United.
It seems unlikely the Blues will recoup the full £30 million they paid Ipswich Town less than 12 months ago, though.
Delap's last outing came in the form of a 29 minute cameo against Port Vale but despite the team putting seven past the League One side, Chelsea's number nine failed to find the back of the net once again.
Consequently, accepting the struggling forward's move has been a failure, Chelsea will not stand in his way should he be offered a route out of London in the summer.