As a result of winning the 2021 Champions League, Chelsea have qualified for this year’s brand new Club World Cup.
With the Club World Cup kicking off in June, FIFA have put in place a short transfer window ahead of the start of the tournament, giving Chelsea and other participating teams the opportunity to strengthen their sides before heading to the US.
The Blues could look to bring in a new striker during that window or later in the summer, with Enzo Maresca in need of another option for that position.
Nicolas Jackson’s injury has exposed the lack of depth Chelsea have in that area of the pitch, with Christopher Nkunku not a recognised centre-forward and Marc Guiu also out injured.
The Club World Cup in its new format is a competition that Chelsea will want to win.
It is being reported that the winners of the tournament could end up earning $100m (£77.4m) in prize money.
It looks like Chelsea want to give themselves every chance of doing that by bringing in a couple of fresh faces before the competition begins.
Journalist Simon Phillips has shared on his Substack Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the Blues want to make a “a couple new signings” going into the Club World Cup.
Ahead of the summer, one player who is currently being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
It is thought that Chelsea are interested in Sesko, but the Slovenia international is not the only striker currently on their radar.
Chelsea could sign Liam Delap before Club World Cup
Ipswich Town’s £50m-rated Liam Delap is another name said to be on Chelsea’s shortlist right now.
Chelsea tried to sign Delap during the January transfer window, and while the club came up short, they could finally land him this summer.
In fact, it has been claimed that Chelsea could bag Delap before they begin their Club World Cup campaign, which would be a huge boost for Maresca.
Again, it is a tournament that the club will want to win, and the arrival of another forward would certainly increase their chances of doing that.