If the campaign ends with Chelsea ensuring Champions League qualification, the Blues did so this season without the presence of a reliable, consistent centre forward.
While Nicholas Jackson has called for Enzo Maresca, the Senegalese striker missed five games due to a hamstring injury, but only scored 10 times in the Premier League in 2024/25.
The currently suspended marksmen were probably not helped by the lack of direct competition in that role.
Jackson’s 29-goal return in 77 games is hardly disastrous, but the Blues still lead a decent, leaning on the days of Diego Costa and Didier Drogba.
In the summer when Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are looking for new strikers, Chelsea himself appears eager to strengthen the ranks with his own new additions.
The latest in Chelsea striker search
Perhaps this summer, the target of the Premier League outfit dream is Newcastle United’s talisman Alexander Isaac, with the Swedish star scoring 23 top flight goals this season.
The former Real Sociedad man was contacted by Stamford Bridge’s interest last summer, but reports have come up again regarding his interest in the service this time.
The 25-year-old is reportedly open to moving to London, but the deal appears to be out of reach, amid the interest of rivals from the gunners.
With that in mind, alternative options have been created by Todd Bouley and Co, and a recent report has been published outlining Ipswichtown’s Liam Dellup remains the main target amid the 12-goal hauling in the league this season.
Athletics’ Laurie Whitwell recently revealed that the 22-year-old is giving a “face-to-face talk” with Man United, but Chelsea has been appointed as a rival suitor.
It’s available for just £30 million following Ipswich’s recent relegation, and the British will represent Boley’s bargain options this summer, with Jackson in the middle needing the competition and cover needed for Jackson in the middle.
Acquiring such transactions on the line can also run in parallel with important departures from the bridge.
How much Nkunku makes compared to Delap & Isak
It is worth remembering the excitement surrounding the capture of Nkunku in the summer of 2023. The Frenchman took part in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig, scoring 125 goals and assists in 172 games on the Bundesliga side before that.
That marquee move looked like a prominent coup in 2021/22 taking into account his exploits. This is not translated in British football, but he scored 35 goals and 20 assists in just 57 games.
Prior to the 2023/24 campaign, a knee injury was maintained during the preseason, setting the tone for the 27-year-old’s miserable two years.
He has 14 goals this time in all competitions, but only three of them have come on top flights, with the former Paris Saint-Germain man being limited to just nine leagues under Maresca’s watch.
The problem appears to be finding a settler of a versatile asset in the starting lineup, with Maresca claiming he is not an orthodox striker, despite failing to drive Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernandez out of ten roles.
Tnunku’s Pl rd -23/24-24/2 | ||
|---|---|---|
stat (*per game) | 23/24 | 24/25 |
Game (start) | 11 (2) | 27 (9) |
the goal | 3 | 3 |
Target Frequency | 146 min | 313 min |
I missed a big opportunity | 3 | 6 |
assist | 0 | 2 |
A big opportunity has been created | 0 | 1 |
Key Pass* | 0.3 | 0.5 |
Pass accuracy* | 89% | 91% |
Successful dribbling* | 0.2 | 0.4 |
Statistics via Sofascore | ||
As cult hero John Obi Mikel said last month, Nkank simply “seems to be lost” when asked to play the middle in Jackson’s absence.
Thankfully, there appears to be a wide range of interest in the struggling star before the upcoming window. The report shows he can depart for a fee in the £35 million area.
Scooping numbers close to that asking price was also supported by the ability to shift Nkunku from wage bills, with the former Leipzig man currently taking home £195k a week in West London.
To put that into perspective, the highly sought-after ISAK is on a salary of £120k per week at St James Park, while the aforementioned Dellup is at “just 20k” £20k on Portman Road.
In particular, based on his Limp Premier League returns, the 5-foot-10 flop does not guarantee such spending. Now it’s time for Boley to finally cash out his expensive mistakes.
Related
Their new John Terry: Chelsea sees “Colossal” signature £100 million defender
Chelsea could consider strengthening their defense this summer
