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Chelsea have reportedly "decided" that Emmanuel Emegha will complete Xabi Alonso's attacking options this season—alongside João Pedro and Danny Welbeck.
As a result, both Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson are now available for transfer in the remaining two weeks of the summer window. For Delap especially, it's a painful development, coming barely a year after his high-profile arrival from Ipswich Town last summer.
Emegha has only just completed a pre-arranged move from Strasbourg, where he netted 31 goals in 78 appearances across all competitions. The 23-year-old's transfer to Chelsea was agreed back in September, with the deal set to be finalized this summer. However, there were questions over whether Emegha might be immediately loaned out, given more experienced options available to Xabi Alonso and limited squad space with the Blues competing in just three competitions in 2026–27.
Despite a hamstring injury preventing him from showcasing himself during preseason, Emegha has earned the right to stay. The Athletic reports that the tall Dutch forward is back in training and will now be "part of the squad" Alonso hopes to steer back up the Premier League standings.
Jackson and Delap are among a broader group of players considered surplus to requirements and free to depart—either on loan or permanently. That group includes Mykhailo Mudryk, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Aarón Anselmino, Marc Guiu, Axel Disasi, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Omari Kellyman, David Datro Fofana, Caleb Wiley and Deivid Washington.
Delap Suited to Mid-Table Premier League Transfer
Delap came through Manchester City's academy, joining at 16 after catching the eye at Derby County. He bagged 12 Premier League goals for a relegated Ipswich side in 2024–25 and, still young at 23—turning 24 next February—has plenty of time to fulfill his clear potential.
A difficult campaign at Chelsea, where disciplinary issues proved a problem, shouldn't be the lasting impression of his career.
While Manchester United are in need of a backup striker and were linked with Delap last summer before he chose Chelsea, a move to a mid-table Premier League side could be the ideal fit—somewhere the former England U-21 international can expect regular starts.
Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Everton, Leeds United and even Tottenham Hotspur have all been mentioned as potential destinations. Newcastle have struggled to find a replacement for Alexander Isak despite the costly signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, while Everton haven't had a striker reach double figures in a Premier League season since Richarlison in 2021–22. At Forest, Chris Wood is approaching 35 and missed much of 2025–26 through injury, while Taiwo Awoniyi has departed for Coventry City after several underwhelming seasons.
Aston Villa Interested in Signing Jackson
Jackson has returned following last season's loan spell at Bayern Munich, having been unable to trigger the conditional purchase obligation tied to appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League. At his peak, the Senegal international is a dependable, if not prolific, No. 9. He averaged 12 Premier League goals per season during his two years at Chelsea and also contributed 12 for Villarreal in La Liga.
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According to BBC Sport this week, Aston Villa have registered interest in Jackson, which would see him reunite with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery. The move is considered a "more viable option" than a switch to Atlético Madrid.
There is a scenario where Ollie Watkins could depart for Saudi Arabia before the window shuts, creating an obvious vacancy for Jackson, who Chelsea value at $88 million (£65 million). Even if Watkins remains, pursuing Jackson still makes sense given that Tammy Abraham is currently the only other recognized senior striker at the club.
Villa have been relatively quiet in the transfer market this summer, bringing in only midfielders Johan Manzambi and João Gomes despite generating $278 million (£201.5 million) through player sales—including the departures of key figures Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans. A return to Champions League football also means a demanding fixture schedule ahead.