Chelsea may have secured the signing of Liam Delap to bolster their forward line, but former France and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit insists that the real issue at Stamford Bridge lies elsewhere.
Delap, 22, joins from relegated Ipswich Town after the Blues activated his £30 million release clause. Despite interest from Manchester United, the striker opted to join Enzo Maresca’s project at Chelsea following a promising Premier League campaign in which he netted 12 goals.
While Delap is expected to ease the pressure on Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku—both of whom endured inconsistent and injury-hit seasons—Petit believes the focus on a central striker misses the point.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Petit said:
“I don’t think Liam Delap will be the solution… Most people are focusing on the number nine at Chelsea, but for me the biggest problem is the wingers.”
The 1998 World Cup winner argued that Chelsea’s wide players are simply not contributing enough in terms of goals, assists, or creativity.
“They need to be a bigger danger on the pitch. Without wingers putting defenders under pressure and creating chances, forget it—your striker is isolated.”
Chelsea’s current options out wide remain uncertain. The club has turned down a permanent deal for Jadon Sancho, while Raheem Sterling is expected to leave after an unconvincing loan at Arsenal. Mykhailo Mudryk faces an uncertain future amid a pending doping investigation, and Noni Madueke—despite a strong finish to the season—is also reportedly available for transfer.
“For me, they are not good enough,” Petit added. “There’s something mentally blocking these players from reaching the next level.”
Chelsea are already looking to address this concern. Talks have reportedly begun with Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, with a £50m move on the cards for the talented English winger.
While Delap may prove to be a smart acquisition for the future, Petit’s assessment suggests that unless Chelsea solve their issues out wide, the club could continue to struggle in their bid to return to the Premier League’s elite.