Chelsea open talks with 21-year-old Premier League breakout star over move in 2025: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap in January. They are looking to bring in competition for Nicolas Jackson, who is their only proper No. 9.

Jackson has been excellent for the Blues, registering nine goals and three assists in 15 Premier League games this season. Apart from him, Chelsea only have Christopher Nkunku for the position and even he isn't a proper No. 9. Hence, as per TEAMtalk, they have spoken to Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap's representatives for a potential move.

Delap joined the Tractor Boys from Manchester City in the summer for a reported fee of £20 million. He has impressed for the newly promoted side, contributing six goals and one assist in 16 league appearances. The Cityzens also have a 20% sell-on clause and a buyback clause in his contract.

Chelsea will be interested in signing Delap in January but Ipswich are unwilling to sell him. They are 18th in the table and are in a relegation battle. The striker is also keen to stay at the club until the end of the season to show respect and help them avoid relegation.

Delap's contract expires in 2029 and Ipswich will demand a huge fee if a club are to make a move for him in January.

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Chelsea forward Mykhaylo Mudryk fails drug test, provisionally suspended

The English Football Association have provisionally suspended Chelsea forward Mykhaylo Mudryk after he failed a recent drug test. He has allegedly tested positive for a banned substance in sample A of a urine test. He's still waiting for reports from sample B but has denied taking any banned substance knowingly.

The Blues posted a statement about the ban, stating (via The Guardian):

“Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.

“Both the club and Mykhailo fully support the FA’s testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested. Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.

“Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding. The club will not be commenting any further.”

Mudryk has made 15 appearances across competitions this season for the west London side, scoring three goals and providing five assists. He's started just seven games, though, and didn't feature in their last five games.