Forest are quietly plotting a bold late-window raid on Stamford Bridge — and it could hand them a striker with genuine Premier League pedigree at a cut price.
Nottingham Forest have entered the race for Chelsea outcast Liam Delap, with the club looking to move fast before the September 1 transfer deadline slams shut.
Why Forest Need Delap Right Now
The timing isn’t a coincidence. With Taiwo Awoniyi closing in on a move to newly-promoted Coventry, Forest are staring down a gap at the top of their attack — and they need it filled before the window closes.
Enter Delap. The 23-year-old striker arrived at Chelsea last summer for £30million off the back of a stunning campaign at Ipswich, where he banged in 12 goals to help fire the Tractor Boys back into the top flight. Chelsea saw a future star. Forest now see an opportunity.
A Big Name, A Rough Year — And That’s the Opening
Delap’s first season at Stamford Bridge was one to forget. Injuries disrupted his campaign and he managed just a single Premier League goal, with only two in all competitions. Chelsea have seen enough — he’s been told he can leave as the club trims a bloated squad, especially with Danny Welbeck now in the building following his move from Brighton.
For Forest, that’s exactly the kind of buying window they’ll want to exploit: a talented, England-honours striker available not because his ability is in question, but because he simply didn’t get a fair run in a crowded Chelsea forward line.
The Competition — And Forest’s Edge
Forest aren’t alone in circling. Newcastle and Everton have both been credited with interest, though neither has turned that interest into a firm bid. There’s also Como to consider — the Italian side, managed by Cesc Fabregas and fresh off Champions League qualification, have already prised one player away from Chelsea this summer in defender Trevoh Chalobah.
That’s where Forest’s chance lies. Delap reportedly wants to stay in the Premier League, even with Champions League football dangled in front of him by Como. That single detail could be decisive — and it plays right into Forest’s hands if they move decisively while Newcastle and Everton hesitate.
What It Would Take
Chelsea are said to be holding out for around £40million for Delap — a tidy £10m profit on what they paid Ipswich just twelve months ago. It’s a significant outlay, but for a Forest side looking to strengthen their attacking options late in the window, a proven Premier League-tested forward with a 12-goal top-flight season already on his CV represents exactly the calculated gamble a club in their position might be willing to make.
The Bigger Picture
Delap still has plenty to play for individually, too. He’s represented England up to under-21 level but hasn’t yet forced his way into senior contention, and he remains eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland through his father, former Premier League cult hero Rory Delap, who won 11 caps for the Boys in Green.
A fresh start — away from Chelsea’s crowded, star-studded front line — could be exactly what reignites his career. And if Forest can get a deal over the line before September 1, they may find themselves with one of the shrewdest late-window signings in the Premier League.
Watch this space: with Awoniyi heading out the door, Forest’s move for Delap could happen fast.
Transfer news is fluid — terms, interest levels, and player preferences can shift quickly as deadline day approaches.
