One way or another, Aston Villa look destined to sign one of Chelsea’s want-away stars this summer. The duo have seemingly struck up quite the understanding following Morgan Rogers’ British-record move to Stamford Bridge and are set to return to the negotiating table together.
Names like Nicolas Jackson and Alejandro Garnacho have been on Unai Emery‘s agenda. The Villans have even started talks to sign the latter, according to David Ornstein as they look to strike a surprising deal.
The Argentine star isn’t the only option on the table, though. Xabi Alonso also wants to show Liam Delap the door and Aston Villa are among the clubs that could benefit.
|
Most expensive British transfers of all time |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa to Chelsea) |
£117m |
2026 |
|
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest to Man City) |
£116m |
2026 |
|
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid) |
£115m |
2023 |
|
Declan Rice (West Ham to Arsenal) |
£105m |
2023 |
|
Jack Grealish (Aston Villa to Man City) |
£100m |
2021 |
Rogers’ departure should end Aston Villa’s PSR worries and enhance Emery’s squad. The Midlands club have already welcomed Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes, and have been linked with several names since cashing in on their star man.
That’s not to say they’ll spend for the sake of spending, however, and Jackson’s price-tag could see them pivot to Delap. The former Ipswich Town striker didn’t enjoy the best first season at Stamford Bridge, but is not the first striker to struggle in West London.
He’s still just 23 years old and it’s worth noting that he scored 12 goals when Ipswich were relegated in the 2024/25 campaign. It sparked praise from around the Premier League, including from Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler, who dubbed Delap “special”.
Aston Villa offered chance to sign Liam Delap
As reported by Football Insider, Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign Delap this summer. Xabi Alonso wants the forward out and believes that he’s surplus to requirements. 12 months on from his £30m arrival, the forward’s Chelsea career looks to be coming to a close.
Those in the Midlands may not be the career heroes that he’s hoping for, however. As things stand, they are not reportedly interested in a deal for the Englishman, leaving him stranded at Stamford Bridge.
|
25/26 Premier League stats |
Ollie Watkins |
Liam Delap |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,852 |
1,102 |
|
Goals |
16 |
1 |
|
Assists |
3 |
0 |
|
XG |
15.2 |
4.47 |
|
Shots P90 |
2.62 |
2.94 |
The numbers don’t make for pretty reading as far as Delap is concerned.
Despite taking more shots than Ollie Watkins per game last season, the Chelsea forward still ended the season with just one Premier League goal to his name. It was a nightmare first campaign in West London and Villa are unlikely to pick up the pieces.
The Villans are certainly on the right track, however. They need a long-term replacement for 30-year-old Watkins this summer even if that’s not going to be Delap.
