Nottingham Forest Revive Pursuit Of Chelsea Striker Delap

Nottingham Forest are set to renew their interest in Chelsea striker Liam Delap, with the 23-year-old emerging as one of the club’s top transfer targets this summer, according to The Telegraph.

Forest have long admired the former Ipswich Town forward and made a strong attempt to sign him last year before he opted to join Chelsea. However, after struggling to establish himself as a regular starter at Stamford Bridge under manager Xabi Alonso, the East Midlands club believe they now have a realistic chance of securing his signature.

New Forest manager Oliver Glasner is understood to be a key driving force behind the move, identifying Delap as the ideal attacking partner for experienced striker Chris Wood. Glasner is reportedly keen to add a forward with pace, physicality and the ability to score consistently in the Premier League, qualities he believes Delap possesses.

Delap joined Chelsea in a £20 million deal in 2025 but has found first-team opportunities limited and is yet to make the impact expected of him. Although Alonso has not publicly indicated that the striker is available for transfer, reports suggest Chelsea could consider offers should an acceptable bid be made, particularly as the club continue to explore options to strengthen their attack.

Forest are expected to open negotiations with an offer worth around £25 million, although the final fee could rise given Delap’s age and Premier League experience.

The remaining questions are whether Delap is prepared to leave Stamford Bridge after just one season and whether Chelsea will be willing to sell to a Premier League rival as the summer transfer window gathers pace.