Ben Jacobs: Chelsea can expect major striker decision “this week”; Blues may have turned tables on Man U | OneFootball

Chelsea have secured their Champions League status for next season, and even though Enzo Maresca wasn’t keen to talk about it in the immediate aftermath of yesterday afternoon’s win, this does clearly have a major effect on their transfer plans for this summer.

Not only does it mean they will have more money to spend, it also means they can attract a higher calibre of player. It also means more meaningful games to play next season, meaning even someone lined up to be second choice in their position can expect a good number of starts.

Chelsea step up with major move possible “this week”

We’re already seeing the evidence – just look at Ben Jacobs’ report on the ongoing Liam Delap saga.

Just a week ago it really looked like Manchester United were going to beat us to that deal. But now we’re in the CL and they’re not. Jacobs has today Tweeted that we held “positive talks” with Delap last week. Newcastle and Everton have also made approaches, although it’s pretty clear that Man U are out main opposition.

Whatever happens, it looks like we’re going to find out pretty soon. Jacobs claimed earlier that Delap was going to decide his future this week. Given he has a release clause in his contract, that means things could be wrapped in a couple of days if he makes his mind up soon.

Chelsea’s offering given huge boost by CL qualification

Ben Jacobs’ latest update on Liam Delap’s future.

Right now, Delap would be coming to Chelsea to back up Nicolas Jackson – but also knowing that there are plenty of important games to go around, and also that it wouldn’t take that much to become first choice if he hits the ground running.

It feels like, with Champions League football on the table, we might now be back in this race.