Chelsea’s forward lineup is facing a significant setback following Liam Delap’s latest shoulder injury against Bournemouth, which could keep him sidelined for up to two months. This situation leaves the Blues in dire need of attacking options as they strive to maintain their push for Champions League qualification.
Current Striker Situation
With the injury list growing longer than the queue for Christmas post, Chelsea must consider alternative solutions. The club supported Enzo Maresca during the summer transfer window with two major signings: Joao Pedro from Brighton and Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. However, between them, they have only managed five goals in 28 appearances across the Premier League and Champions League. This lack of production is inadequate for a team aiming for silverware in multiple competitions.
Why Emanuel Emegha is the Solution
Enter Emanuel Emegha. Chelsea has already secured his services from Strasbourg for the summer of 2026. Last season, he tallied 14 goals and three assists in 27 Ligue 1 matches, helping Strasbourg finish seventh and qualify for the Europa Conference League. Emegha has continued this impressive form into the current season, recording seven goals and two assists in just 11 matches. He has even earned his first two caps with the Netherlands under Ronald Koeman.
However, the forward’s recent suspension for failing to meet the club’s expectations raises questions about his current situation, suggesting he may be ready for a new challenge at Chelsea.
Current Challenges for Chelsea’s Attack
At present, Joao Pedro has yet to find consistent scoring form in a Chelsea shirt, and Marc Guiu is struggling following his recall from loan at Sunderland. This leaves Chelsea lacking in both quality and depth at center forward, especially with Delap’s ongoing fitness concerns.
Accelerating Emegha’s arrival would bring proven goalscoring talent to the squad. His presence would add healthy competition among the strikers, allowing Maresca to manage the rotation of his forwards as the fixture schedule becomes more demanding.
The Need for Reliable Options
To maintain their top-four ambitions and pursue success in cup competitions, Chelsea needs more reliable options in attack. Bringing Emegha in during January would mitigate the risks of further injuries and provide the manager with an additional asset in the final third.
It would be unwise to delay the arrival of a striker of Emegha’s caliber until 2026 while the team is desperately seeking goals. It is time to expedite the paperwork and let him make his mark at Stamford Bridge.
Conclusion
With pressing needs in the squad, Chelsea must act swiftly to secure Emanuel Emegha’s services. The Blues cannot afford to wait any longer for a striker who can deliver the goals necessary for a successful season.