Chelsea chiefs having ‘internal concerns’ about summer signing, potential replacement already lined up

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Chelsea spent big money over the summer transfer window on new players, but will not feel too rewarded with what they have seen from them so far.

Estevao Willian has already shown he has an immense future at the club, while Joao Pedro has done a good job playing the majority of the season up front.

However, the likes of Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato have flattered to deceive when given minutes on the pitch, despite hefty price tags.

Blues fans have also not seen much from Liam Delap this season. The former Ipswich Town striker has spent a large portion of the season injured.

Chelsea chiefs already concerned about Liam Delap

When fit though, Delap has only scored twice in all competitions, only once since the Club World Cup over the summer.

After reports that Chelsea are looking at a new midfielder and centre-back next summer, Simon Phillips has added that a striker is on the radar because of concerns regarding Delap.

He said on his Substack: “But away from midfielders, and as we mentioned weeks ago too, Chelsea are also seriously looking at new strikers again. They aren’t writing Liam Delap off yet but there has been some internal concerns in how he’s started his Chelsea career and also, they think they need more than him and Joao Pedro.

“So Chelsea have been looking at new strikers, and one name we do have that the club are watching closely right now is Joaquín Panichelli, who of course is also at Strasbourg. He’s been earmarked as another future Chelsea player and club scouts are watching all of his games right now.”

Enzo Maresca a big fan of Joaquin Panichelli

Chelsea are already set to add Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha to their ranks at the end of the season, however his long-term replacement is also on the club’s radar now.

Enzo Maresca is a fan of Joaquin Panichelli already, and the 23-year-old has brought up 10 goals already for the Ligue 1 side this season.

Delap remains absent for this weekend’s clash against Newcastle United after sustaining a shoulder injury, leaving Pedro to start up top.

The boss gave Marc Guiu a chance to stake his claim in the striker position against Cardiff, however he struggled greatly to make any form of impact.