His struggles pushed Chelsea further into the striker market signing former Ipswich Town and Brighton and Hove Albion players Liam Delap and João Pedro respectively. Both players have enjoyed strong starts to their life at Stamford Bridge aiding the Blues to the FIFA Club World Cup and scoring in preseason.

Christopher Nkunku has been linked with a surprise return to RB Leipzig as Chelsea continue their push to sign Xavi Simons. The French forward is among several players the Blues have put on the table during negotiations with the Bundesliga side.