Chelsea are preparing to part with two strikers who appeared central to the club’s plans only a year ago. Liam Delap is closing in on a move to Nottingham Forest, while Aston Villa have opened negotiations over Nicolas Jackson. If both transfers are completed at the reported prices, the London club could collect one of the largest combined fees of the summer.
Forest break their record for Delap
According to The Guardian’s report on the two negotiations, Forest have agreed to pay £45 million plus £5 million in potential add-ons for Delap. The full package would make the 23-year-old the most expensive signing in the club’s history. A medical examination and formal confirmation are still required before the transfer can be considered complete.
Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town for £30 million in 2025 after scoring 12 Premier League goals during Ipswich’s relegation season. His first campaign at Stamford Bridge was disrupted by injuries, and he managed only one league goal. João Pedro and Danny Welbeck are now regarded as Xabi Alonso’s preferred attacking options, leaving Delap searching for regular football elsewhere.
Villa explore a deal for Jackson
Jackson’s situation remains less advanced. Aston Villa have begun talks with Chelsea and view the Senegal international as a possible replacement for Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with Al-Hilal. Chelsea reportedly value Jackson at £65 million and are seeking a permanent sale rather than another loan.
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The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich after falling down the attacking order at Chelsea. Villa manager Unai Emery already knows him from their time together at Villarreal, which could help the negotiations. Atlético Madrid have also been linked with Jackson, but no agreement with either club has been announced.
The headline figure is not guaranteed
As described by Pedro Casteleiro in A Bola, the two transfers could carry a combined value of approximately €128.5 million. That calculation consists of around €52.5 million for Delap and a possible €76 million fee for Jackson. It should not be treated as guaranteed income because Jackson’s proposed move remains under negotiation, while part of Delap’s fee depends on add-ons.
Chelsea could still record a considerable profit after paying approximately €35.5 million for Delap and €37 million for Jackson. The proposed sales also reflect the rapidly changing hierarchy under Alonso, with neither forward now considered indispensable. One departure appears close, but the full financial windfall still depends on Villa meeting Chelsea’s demands.
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