Chelsea close to sealing deal for "fantastic" £30 million striker loved by Enzo Maresca

Enzo Maresca. (Deposit Photos)

Chelsea capped off a mixed season with two landmark moments in the space of a week that sent a strong message about where they’re headed under Enzo Maresca.

First came a narrow but vital 1-0 win away to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season, a result that secured Champions League football for next season.

Then, just days later, they made history in Poland by coming from behind to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Europa Conference League final—becoming the first club ever to win all three of UEFA’s major European competitions, having already won both the Champions League and Europa League on multiple occasions.

It was a late flurry that sealed the silverware, with Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moisés Caicedo all on target in the final 25 minutes. But the standout performer once again was Cole Palmer, who set up two of the goals with trademark quality and calmness.

After the match, Noni Madueke was full of praise for his teammate, saying: “He's the one. He’s the truth. When we need him to be there, he’s there. Like a lot of us he had a quiet first half, but then the way he springs into life... I’m super happy for him, super proud for him as well.”

Palmer ended the season with 15 goals and 12 assists, most of those in combination with Jackson—but next season he may have a new striker to supply.

Chelsea Nearing Deal for Liam Delap

Liam Delap is seemingly Chelsea-bound. (Deposit Photos)

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are “closing in” on a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with positive talks ongoing between the club and player.

While a deal isn’t yet agreed, the Blues are expected to push forward and could trigger Delap’s £30 million release clause.

Delap, who netted 12 goals last term despite Ipswich's relegation, previously worked under Maresca at Manchester City when the Italian was involved with the academy and first team.

Speaking about the forward earlier this year, Maresca said: “Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age. I think we spent one year together, and he scored [about] 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.”

He added: “England have many good players, many good strikers, [but] he's working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game, and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England.”