Liam Delap close to Nottingham Forest transfer from Chelsea, says The Athletic

Liam Delap is close to leaving Chelsea for Nottingham Forest this summer after the two clubs reached an initial agreement over a deal worth €50m, according to The Athletic.

The 23-year-old striker is expected to sign a contract with Nottingham Forest running until the summer of 2031, although the move has not yet been completed.

Delap is currently training separately from Chelsea’s first-team squad as discussions over his future continue. Nottingham Forest appear to have moved ahead of Newcastle United and Everton in the race to sign the forward.

The proposed transfer would bring an end to a difficult first season at Chelsea for Delap, who joined the club last summer. His campaign was affected by a prolonged dip in form as well as recurring physical problems.

He scored only once in 28 Premier League appearances last season, a return that fell well short of expectations for a young striker who had arrived at Chelsea with significant expectations surrounding him.

Despite his modest output in front of goal, Chelsea are holding out for a substantial fee. The club’s intention is to recover an important part of its previous investment in the player while also improving its financial position.

Nottingham Forest’s reported €50m offer has placed them in the strongest position among the clubs interested in Delap. Newcastle United and Everton have also been identified as contenders, but the latest reports indicate that Forest have made the most progress.

The initial agreement between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest means the deal is now considered to be only a few steps from completion. Delap’s proposed six-year contract would keep him at the City Ground until 2031.

For Chelsea, the sale would provide an opportunity to recoup a sizeable sum after Delap’s first season produced just one Premier League goal. The striker’s recurring physical issues and decline in form limited his impact during the campaign, despite his involvement in 28 league matches.

Delap remains with Chelsea for now but is preparing for a potential move away from the club. His separation from the rest of the first-team squad underlines the uncertainty around his position as Nottingham Forest attempt to complete the transfer.

If the agreement is finalised, Delap will leave Chelsea after only one season and join a Nottingham Forest side that has reportedly won the race for his signature. The deal is expected to be worth €50m, with the player set to commit his future to the club through the summer of 2031.