Chelsea target €75m striker to replace Liam Delap

Cameron Smith

22 Mar 2026 10:39 CDT
3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Newcastle United star Nick Woltemade and could look to pursue a swap deal involving Liam Delap this summer.

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Woltemade, 24, moved to St James’ Park from Stuttgart for a fee of €75 million last summer, but after a stellar start to life under Eddie Howe, his form in front of goal has tailed off in recent months and he has now been moved into an attacking midfield role.

Anthony Gordon has been deployed as a centre forward in recent weeks and despite the England star’s impressive recent form, and the presence of Yoane Wissa, the Magpies remain eager to bolster their attacking options.

Delap has emerged as a potential signing in recent weeks, following Newcastle’s failed pursuit of his signature last summer, and it has been widely reported that Chelsea would be open to a sale.

The former Ipswich Town striker has only scored two goals in 32 games across all competitions so far this season, and Chelsea are reportedly willing to offload him this summer as they prepare for the arrival of Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg.

Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez has been earmarked as a potential signing by the Chelsea hierarchy, although they are set to face significant competition from Arsenal and Barcelona and alternative targets will therefore be required.

Chelsea want Nick Woltemade

Woltemade has scored 10 goals in 44 matches for Newcastle and the Magpies’ interest in Delap could give Chelsea the opportunity to sign the Germany international this summer.

That is according to Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, who claims that Liam Rosenior’s side will make an enquiry for the 24-year-old if Newcastle enter into discussions over a move for Delap.

Despite the presence of Joao Pedro and the arriving Emegha, Chelsea are reportedly willing to offer Woltemade the chance to play as a striker at Stamford Bridge next season, rather than as an attacking midfielder.

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