“Not anywhere near the level required at Chelsea”

Pundit Andy Townsend has opened up about Chelsea strikers Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson. This comes amid their reported interest in signing Danny Welbeck this summer.

The Blues signed Delap from Ipswich Town last summer, and he scored just three goals and provided five assists in 47 appearances. Meanwhile, they signed Jackson from Villarreal in 2023, and he’s recorded 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 games for them. He spent the last season on loan at Bayern Munich.

Amid Chelsea’s pursuit of Danny Welbeck, Andy Townsend told talkSPORT (h/t Metro):

“Liam Delap is clearly not anywhere near the level required at Chelsea. I think to get somebody like Danny to come in, knows what it’s all about, they don’t have to worry about him settling in or bedding him in… just let him get on with it and do what he’s been doing for Brighton. I don’t think it’s a problem. I think it’s quite a good signing.”

Delap started just 16 games across competitions last season, largely playing second fiddle to Joao Pedro. Meanwhile, Welbeck has been impressive for Brighton & Hove Albion since joining them from Watford in 2020. He has scored 51 goals and provided 18 assists in 201 games for the Seagulls.

Andy Townsend opens up about Chelsea’s interest in two Premier League veterans

Chelsea are interested in 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and 36-year-old midfielder Jordan Henderson this summer. They are the leading contenders to sign both from Brighton and Brentford, respectively.

Andy Townsend shared his thoughts on a potential transfer for both. He believes it will be a good signing for the west London side, as he said:

“There’s good reasons for both of those. I think Danny is just one of those players who has got better and better the older he’s got… He was never prolific, Danny, but he’s shown he can score important goals for his team and can lead the line for his team. Physically, the game has become less of a problem to him the older he’s got which is unusual.”

Welbeck scored 13 goals and provided one assist in 37 Premier League games last season. He was ninth in the top scorers list despite starting just 26 league games.

Meanwhile, Henderson helped Brentford almost create history, making 34 appearances across competitions. They finished ninth in the league, behind Brighton on goal difference, just missing out on European qualification.