Jackson and Delap Set for Chelsea Exit as Alonso Backs Pedro

Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap look to be heading out of Chelsea before the transfer window shuts, with both forwards left out of Xabi Alonso’s squad for the 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Their omission was no accident. It underlined a simple reality: Alonso is already planning his attack without them.

Jackson has returned to Stamford Bridge after a season on loan at Bayern Munich, but his stay is expected to be short. Aston Villa are pushing for the Senegal international, and Chelsea are understood to value the 23-year-old at around £65m.

That figure reflects both his age and his pedigree, even if his Chelsea career has never fully caught fire. Villa’s interest is serious; Chelsea’s stance is clear. At the right price, he goes.

Delap’s situation is even more stark. After a disappointing debut campaign, he has been told he is free to leave. Two goals in 41 appearances is a brutal return for a £30m signing from Ipswich last summer, and Chelsea are ready to draw a line under the move.

Italian side Como have registered their interest in the 23-year-old, sensing an opportunity to revive a stalling career. Delap, though, would rather stay in the Premier League. Everton, Fulham and Nottingham Forest have all been linked, each offering a different route back to relevance for a striker who badly needs a reset.

The pressure around their futures has built steadily through the summer. On Sunday, it finally showed in black and white on the teamsheet.

According to Sky Sports, both Jackson and Delap are now expected to leave before the window closes, clearing the way for Alonso to commit fully to Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck as his central options.

That choice says plenty about the direction of Chelsea’s attack under their new head coach. Trust in mobility, intelligence, and work rate. Less patience for expensive projects that don’t deliver quickly enough.

If Jackson gets his move and Delap finds the Premier League home he wants, Chelsea’s forward line will look leaner, more defined — and Alonso will have the clarity he clearly craves heading into the heart of the season.