Nottingham Forest Push to Sign Liam Delap as Chelsea Clear the Decks
Nottingham Forest are working on a deal to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with the 23-year-old now training away from Chelsea's first-team squad and left out of their matchday plans for Monday's Premier League fixture against Fulham (BBC Sport).
The picture is moving quickly. Delap lost Chelsea's number nine shirt to fellow forward João Pedro last week — a clear signal that his future at Stamford Bridge is narrowing. Chelsea have made him available for sale at £50m and, with 39 senior players on their books, are actively looking to move a string of names on before the transfer deadline on 1 September.
It is not yet clear whether Forest's talks with Chelsea are for a permanent transfer or a loan move. The clubs do have a positive working relationship, which could help smooth the path.
Forest are far from the only interested party. Ipswich Town, where Delap played before his move to Chelsea, are among a number of clubs considering a move (BBC Sport). Leeds United and Everton have also entered the race, giving Delap three serious suitors (inews). An undated report from inews suggested Chelsea value Delap between £35m and £40m, below the £50m asking price now reported by the BBC — figures that may shift as negotiations develop.
Delap's situation is a study in how quickly a transfer can turn sour. He moved to Chelsea from Ipswich Town for £30m just over 12 months ago, arriving with the expectation of leading the line. Instead, shoulder and hamstring injuries limited him to a single league goal across the campaign. He returned from his hamstring problem against Wolverhampton Wanderers in October 2025, only to be sent off in that same match (Sky Sports).
For Forest, Delap would arrive to provide competition for Chris Wood and Igor Jesus, giving manager Nuno Espírito Santo another option at the top of the pitch. The club have been busy this summer regardless of whether Delap lands. They have signed Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande for £34m, brought in free-agent midfielder Xaver Schlager and goalkeeper Steve Benda, and banked a club-record £116m from the sale of England midfielder Elliot Anderson to Manchester City. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi has also departed, joining Coventry City for £9m.
For Chelsea, Delap's likely departure is part of a wider trimming exercise. Winger Pedro Neto is also moving closer to an exit (Sky Sports), and the club need to reduce a squad that has swollen well beyond what head coach Enzo Maresca can realistically use.
With just over a week until the deadline, Delap's next destination is still unresolved. Forest have the money, the need, and a willing seller. Whether they can close the deal before the window shuts on 1 September may come down to whether Chelsea hold firm at £50m or soften their stance for the sake of a swift exit.
