Chelsea’s striker situation has been a major problem for a while now, but the incoming Xabi Alonso appears determined to fix it.
Despite BlueCo spending well over £1 billion on rebuilding the squad, Chelsea still do not have a main striker capable of leading the line of a team expected to compete for multiple major trophies.
There was hope that Liam Delap could be that player following his £30 million move from Ipswich Town last summer, but this season has proven the 23-year-old is no where near the level required.
And unfortunately for the former Tractor Boy, it seems Alonso has already made his mind up.
Xabi Alonso demanded Chelsea sign proven striker
According to TEAMtalk, following an abysmal first season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are now prepared to sell Delap as part of plans to reshape their attacking options ahead of Alonso officially arriving on July 1.
The report also claims Alonso demanded a “top-quality striker” be signed before agreeing to become Chelsea’s next manager; a request BlueCo honoured in order to get the deal across the line.
Chelsea supporters have spent the last few years hearing repeatedly about long-term projects and developing young talent, but these latest claims point towards a very different approach under Alonso.
The Spaniard appears to have immediately identified one of the squad’s biggest weaknesses and only agreed to take charge if his concerns were taken seriously.
Everton and Newcastle United among interested clubs
Even though his time in West London hasn't worked out, Delap remains an attractive option for several other clubs, and that shouldn't come as much of a surprise.
The striker is still only 23-years-old and there is clearly talent there, even if things haven't clicked at Stamford Bridge. Not only that, but his price tag could now be even less than the £30 million Chelsea paid for him 12 months ago.
Everton and Newcastle United are believed to be the two most interested clubs with the latter facing their own attacking problems this campaign.
As for the Blues, regardless of what happens with Delap this summer, it seems inevitable Alonso will push to bring in a new hitman — one with a proven record of doing it on the biggest stages — and that's an exciting prospect.
Brentford's Igor Thiago has emerged as an early target following an impressive season which has seen him score 22 goals in 37 Premier League appearances.
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