Chelsea Strikers Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap Expected to Leave

Chelsea strike duo Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are both expected to leave the club before the transfer window shuts, as Xabi Alonso quietly reshapes his attack.

Both forwards were left out of Alonso’s squad for the 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday, a clear signal that their futures lie elsewhere while the speculation gathers pace around Stamford Bridge.

Jackson has already returned to Chelsea after a season on loan at Bayern Munich, but his stay looks set to be brief. Aston Villa are pushing to sign the Senegal international, with Chelsea valuing the 23-year-old at around £65m. At that price, he would represent a significant sale for a player who has yet to establish himself as a long-term option in west London.

Delap’s situation feels even more decisive. After a disappointing debut campaign in which he scored just twice in 41 appearances, Chelsea are prepared to sanction his departure and listen to offers. The 23-year-old, signed from Ipswich for £30m last summer, has not convinced in front of goal and is now effectively on the market.

Como have registered their interest from Italy, testing the water for a potential move. Delap, though, is understood to favour staying in the Premier League. Everton, Fulham and Nottingham Forest have all been linked and are monitoring developments as the window ticks down.

The pressure on squad places is intense. According to Sky Sports, both Jackson and Delap are now considered likely to move on before the deadline, with Alonso ready to lean on Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck as his primary number nine options.

If those exits are completed, Chelsea’s attacking department will look leaner, more defined – and under real scrutiny once the season’s goals start to count.