Chelsea identifies 23-year-old as a prospective player while scouts monitor all of his matches
Chelsea has recognized a promising striker as a potential future asset for Enzo Maresca, with the club’s scouts keeping a close watch on all his performances.
Chelsea facing Liam Delap issue as Joao Pedro strategy disclosed
It has not been an ideal beginning for summer acquisition Liam Delap in West London, as he has spent a significant portion of his inaugural season at Stamford Bridge sidelined by injuries. In fact, Delap’s expected tenure at Chelsea has turned into a source of frustration, with the 22-year-old managing only six starts across all competitions.
Ongoing fitness issues have hindered him from making a substantial impact. Delap’s troubles started in August when he suffered a hamstring strain that kept him out for more than two months, missing ten key matches during the critical early period of the season. After finally returning in November, the England youth international only made his sixth Premier League start against Bournemouth, where misfortune struck once again. After an awkward landing during an aerial challenge with Marcos Senesi, Delap dislocated his shoulder, leaving the pitch after just 32 minutes with his arm in a makeshift sling.
Related
High-profile player has privately expressed that he would join Chelsea in January
This could lead to a highly sought-after transfer.
Reports now indicate that the former Man City prodigy might be sidelined for up to a month, with expectations for his return set for mid-January. The forward’s sole goal this season was scored as a substitute during Chelsea’s Champions League win against Barcelona, with Maresca noting that Delap has been “a bit unlucky,” but he believes that goals will come once Delap achieves consistent fitness and form. Nonetheless, according to journalist Simon Phillips, there are ‘internal issues’ regarding his transition at Chelsea, and the club’s aim to utilize Joao Pedro in an advanced midfield position has led to discussions about acquiring an additional striker.
Emmanuel Emegha is expected to join from Strasbourg next year, though his potential role remains uncertain, and he may even go out on loan.
Chelsea marks Strasbourg striker Joaquín Panichelli as a ‘future player’
In a recent Substack post, Phillips reports that Chelsea is closely monitoring in-form striker Joaquín Panichelli as a ‘future prospect’ in light of their concerns about Delap.
Club scouts are actively following all of his performances for Strasbourg and must be quite impressed with what they’ve witnessed from the Argentine. Panichelli has netted 10 goals in 21 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea’s affiliate club thus far, and the partnership with Strasbourg through BlueCo could simplify any potential agreement.
“Chelsea has been scouting for new strikers, and one name that is being closely monitored at the club right now is Joaquín Panichelli, who, of course, plays for Strasbourg,” Phillips wrote.
“He’s been earmarked as another future player for Chelsea, and the club’s scouts are currently watching all of his games!”
The 23-year-old has also garnered significant acclaim from Ligue 1 analysts, with pundit Joachim Durand stating to Transfermarkt that Panichelli is a ‘pure number nine’ possessing many advantageous traits.
“Panichelli is a pure number nine,” Durand remarked.
“His key strengths include his finishing, positioning, and heading skills. He is also very engaged in defensive responsibilities, especially pressing.”
Related
Representatives make ‘clear’ transfer request as Chelsea forward pushes for January exit
His agents have communicated one explicit demand.
Published: 2025-12-18 11:00:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
