Chelsea endured a disappointing 2025-26 season both on and off the pitch. The club finished tenth in the Premier League and missed out on European football.
Instability in the dugout defined much of the campaign. Enzo Maresca resigned in December to take over at Manchester City and officially departed on January 1.
Chelsea appointed Liam Rosenior and lasted little more than three months in the role. The club dismissed him after a disastrous run of results.
McFarlane returned on an interim basis to finish the season before Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as their permanent manager.
The season also proved difficult for Liam Delap following his £30 million move from Ipswich Town.
Injuries further disrupted his first campaign at Stamford Bridge and limited his opportunities throughout the season.
Delap scored just two goals in 41 appearances in all competitions. He also endured a 26-match goal drought to finish the campaign.
Those struggles led to uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. Everton, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all monitored his situation in recent months.
Newcastle even explored the possibility of a swap deal. However, Delap wants to remain at Chelsea after buying a house locally.
The striker also hopes to impress Xabi Alonso during pre-season and force his way back into the plans.
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea view Dusan Vlahovic as a serious option if they decide to reshape their striker department this summer.
The report adds that Chelsea have already held contact with the Serbian international’s representatives.
His free-agent status has made the opportunity particularly attractive for the club after years of heavy spending.
Chelsea are also tracking Ollie Watkins, Igor Thiago, Francesco Pio Esposito and Victor Osimhen as alternative options.
However, the club appear to view the Juventus striker as one of the most attractive opportunities currently available on the market.
Whether Chelsea move forward with a deal could ultimately depend on Delap’s future under Alonso during the coming weeks.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
