Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are closing in on a transfer agreement for striker Liam Delap, with the player reportedly prepared to undergo his medical. The deal would mark the end of a brief stint at Stamford Bridge for a forward who arrived with genuine promise just one summer ago.
Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2025 for a fee of around £30 million. He managed just 1-2 league goals across approximately 41 appearances during the 2025/26 season. Injuries and rotating managerial philosophies conspired against him, turning what was supposed to be a breakout campaign into a difficult debut season.
The numbers behind the negotiation
Chelsea initially valued Delap in the range of £40-50 million. That asking price has softened, with reports indicating the club is now open to offers closer to £35 million.
Nottingham Forest have emerged as the frontrunner in negotiations, though Everton have also registered interest. For Forest, the move represents a chance to bolster their attacking lineup alongside Chris Wood. Adding a 23-year-old with Premier League pedigree makes strategic sense for a club looking to build depth at the front line.
