Chelsea news: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall out, Kobbie Mainoo and Liam Delap in

Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to the season and currently sit fourth in the Premier League.

However, a disappointing run of just two points from their last four games has narrowed the gap to fifth placed Newcastle to a single point.

As the January transfer window heats up, Transfer News Blitz writer Nicole Powell examines Chelsea’s potential moves to regain their pre-December momentum.

Maresca to bid goodbye to an old friend

When Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall arrived at Stamford Bridge from Leicester City, expectations were high, and reuniting with his former coach Enzo Maresca, many believed the midfielder would play a central role in Chelsea’s campaign.

Instead, Dewsbury-Hall has struggled for minutes.

While he has started all but one of Chelsea’s European fixtures, his Premier League involvement has been minimal - just nine matchday squads and zero starts to his name.

A move now seems inevitable for the 26-year-old, who is keen to rediscover the impact he had at Leicester.

Chelsea have made it clear that he is available, and reports suggest West Ham, under newly appointed manager Graham Potter, are leading the chase.

Potter, once at the helm of Chelsea, has shown interest in a player from his previous club - whom he never coached directly - despite his strained history with the Blues’ fanbase.

Chelsea's openness to both loan and permanent transfers will be a key factor in determining the nature of any potential deal.

Chelsea lead race for youngster from Manchester

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo, should the young midfielder leave Manchester United.

After a sensational 2024 season where he earned a surprise call-up under Gareth Southgate for the Euros, Mainoo poised himself as one of the most talented prospects in the Premier League.

Having made no progress in contract talks, his representatives have alerted top clubs that Manchester United could sell him this month or at the season’s end.

Should the two parties find no balanced ground, Mainoo, valued at £65 million will have to bid his goodbyes to the club that raised him.

In the Premier League, it is Chelsea who are in leading contention for Ruben Amorim’s youngster, however, the Blues face competition from clubs abroad.

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Blues aim for another striker

Nicolas Jackson stands as the main striker under Maresca, with the young Marc Guiu earning favour in Chelsea’s European fixtures.

Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku have also been deployed as strikers when required.

However, Maresca is keen to add a clinical finisher to his squad and has turned his attention to Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

Delap, who developed through Derby County and Manchester City’s youth systems, has impressed this season.

Despite matching Jackson’s 18 Premier League starts, the 21-year-old has scored just one fewer goal than the Senegalese striker, who has nine to his name.

While Delap’s stats are promising, Chelsea’s decision to pursue him raises questions. 

With the Englishman mirroring Guiu’s raw talent and Jackson’s continued development, signing Delap may not seem like the smartest move.

However, his arrival could inject healthy competition into Maresca’s attacking lineup, pushing all the forwards to step up their game.

Follow all the latest January window rumours and deals with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us on BlueSky as we continue to tell it like it is when it comes to transfer talk.

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