Chelsea could sign their own Omorodion with move for £20m “battering ram”

Chelsea’s title hopes in the Premier League took another blow on Sunday as they fell further behind Liverpool following a missed opportunity to secure three points against Everton at Goodison Park.

 

The Blues now trail the Reds by four points at the top of the table, with Liverpool holding a game in hand. This gap widened after Liverpool’s emphatic 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur later the same day.

 

Enzo Maresca’s side will lament their inability to capitalize on the chances they created during their stalemate with Everton. Despite dominating possession with 75% control and generating three clear goal-scoring opportunities, they failed to convert any of these into goals.

 

Nicolas Jackson missed two of these key chances, highlighting a lack of clinical finishing. The Senegalese forward has managed just one goal in his last three Premier League outings, squandering three significant opportunities in that period. Chelsea had sought to bolster their forward line in the summer by signing another natural striker to compete with Jackson but were unable to finalize a deal before the transfer window closed.

 

Chelsea’s Missed Opportunity with Samu Omorodion

 

One of Chelsea’s primary summer targets was Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion, who now goes by Samu Aghehowa. In August, the club reportedly agreed on a £34.5 million deal to sign the Spanish forward. However, a contractual dispute led to the collapse of the move. Subsequently, Aghehowa joined Portuguese club Porto, where he has excelled.

 

The 20-year-old has been in prolific form, scoring 16 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions this season, including a brace against Manchester United in the Europa League. This marks a significant improvement from his eight-goal tally during his loan spell at Alaves in La Liga last season.

 

Aghehowa’s exceptional finishing ability is evident in his Portuguese league performances, where he has netted 11 goals from just 5.45 xG (expected goals). In contrast, Chelsea’s Jackson has missed as many clear chances in his last three games as Aghehowa has in the entire season. This disparity underscores what Chelsea may have lost by failing to secure the Spanish striker.

 

New Targets for January: Liam Delap in Focus

 

Chelsea is now actively pursuing reinforcements for their attacking line ahead of the January transfer window. According to TEAMtalk, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is among their top targets. The 21-year-old, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City for £20 million in the summer, has impressed in his debut Premier League season despite his team’s struggles.

 

Delap has scored six goals from 4.41 xG in 16 appearances, showcasing his efficiency in front of goal. His ability to outperform expected metrics and his willingness to create opportunities for himself have caught Chelsea’s attention. The club has reportedly engaged in talks with Delap’s representatives about a potential move, and the striker is said to be open to the idea if a deal can be reached.

 

Manchester City retains a buy-back clause for Delap but is unlikely to exercise it in January, potentially giving Chelsea a clear path to secure the promising forward.

 

Why Chelsea Should Act

 

Maresca must urge the club to push for Delap’s signing, as the young striker offers a blend of potential and efficiency. Similar to how Aghehowa has flourished after moving to a top club, Delap could thrive at Stamford Bridge with better service and a stronger supporting cast. His remarkable goal-scoring record at youth level, combined with his current form in the Premier League, suggests that he could be the dynamic presence Chelsea needs in their attack.