Chelsea Faces Double Departure: Jackson and Delap Set to Leave

Chelsea are braced for a double departure up front, with both Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.

Neither forward made Xabi Alonso’s squad for the 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday, a clear signal of where they now sit in the pecking order as speculation intensifies around their futures.

Jackson has already completed one high-profile loan away from west London, spending last season at Bayern Munich, and interest in the Senegal international has not cooled. Aston Villa are tracking the 23-year-old, but any deal will not come cheap. Chelsea value him at around £65m, a figure that underlines both his potential and the club’s willingness to cash in at the right price.

Delap’s situation is different, but just as stark. After a disappointing debut campaign in blue, he has been told he can go. Two goals in 41 appearances is a meagre return for a £30m signing from Ipswich last summer, and Chelsea are ready to draw a line under the move.

There is no shortage of suitors. Como have registered their interest in taking the 23-year-old to Serie A, yet Delap would rather stay in the Premier League. That stance keeps the door open for Everton, Fulham and Nottingham Forest, all of whom have been linked with a move as they look to bolster their attacking options.

According to Sky Sports, both Jackson and Delap are now “likely” to leave before deadline day.

Alonso, for his part, appears ready to move on. The Chelsea head coach is prepared to lean on Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck as his primary options through the middle.

If those exits are completed, Chelsea’s attack will look leaner, more defined – and under real pressure to deliver without two of its current number nines.