Approach made: Chelsea could conclude forward deal in final 2 weeks of the window

Chelsea striker Liam Delap is reportedly a transfer target for Como this summer, with a deal possible in the final two weeks of the window.

The 23-year-old has struggled during his time at Stamford Bridge, scoring only three goals in 47 appearances in all competitions since his move from Ipswich Town.

Delap previously looked like a promising young talent at Ipswich, and while he was in Manchester City’s academy, but it seems pretty clear that he’s not quite Chelsea level at this point in his career.

See below as Fabrizio Romano now reports that Como have made contact over signing Delap, who is available…

He’s high on the shortlist for new forward as relationship with Chelsea is very good after Chalobah deal.

Delap can leave #CFC in the final two weeks. pic.twitter.com/bfnfZRNeKe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2026

???? EXCLUSIVE: Como have made initial approach for Liam Delap as new striker.

He’s high on the shortlist for new forward as relationship with Chelsea is very good after Chalobah deal.

Delap can leave #CFC in the final two weeks. pic.twitter.com/bfnfZRNeKe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2026

“EXCLUSIVE: Como have made initial approach for Liam Delap as new striker. He’s high on the shortlist for new forward as relationship with Chelsea is very good after Chalobah deal. Delap can leave #CFC in the final two weeks,” Romano posted on X.

Can Liam Delap revive his career in Serie A?

Delap may have flopped at Chelsea, but he could still have it in him to have a good career, particularly if he makes the right choice about where to go next.

It seems clear now that a move to a ‘big six’ Premier League club came far too soon for Delap, but the England Under-21 international might find he could succeed somewhere like Como.

Italian football these days is not what it used to be, so Delap should find that level easier, while he could also do well to learn under an exciting young coach like Cesc Fabregas.

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Liam Delap sale raises questions about Chelsea strategy

Delap’s signing looks like a mistake by Chelsea, and they should be alright with Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck as their main options up front.

Still, the way this deal has played out doesn’t reflect well on CFC and their decision-makers, with so much money spent on young players like this who were quickly moved on.

The same has happened with Alejandro Garnacho this summer, and it’s unclear why Chelsea keep investing in players, supposedly for the future of their long-term project, only to give up on them so quickly when they don’t deliver straight away.

Either Chelsea are looking for signings who can make an immediate impact, which means the 25-plus age bracket, or they’re prepared to be patient in developing their young players. At some point, the owners and the directors need to decide, because their current policy seems totally incoherent.