4 strikers Chelsea could sign this summer to replace Nicolas Jackson, including Matheus Cunha
- Barnaby Lane
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
With the 2024/25 season nearing its conclusion, it's fair to say it's been a campaign of mixed fortunes for Chelsea.
After a promising start under new head coach Enzo Maresca, the Blues have faltered since the turn of the year. Results have dipped, fan frustration has grown, and Maresca’s uninspiring style of play and questionable squad selections have come under increasing scrutiny.
One of the biggest issues for Chelsea this season, beyond managerial concerns, has been their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, and Marc Guiu have all struggled to make a consistent impact in the Premier League.
Jackson, who started the season brightly with nine goals in his first 15 appearances, has seen his form collapse – partly due to injury – and hasn't scored since mid-December.
Nkunku has managed just three league goals, while Guiu impressed in the Europa Conference League but was sidelined by a season-ending injury in February without making a single Premier League start.
With their attacking line faltering, Chelsea’s top priority this summer is to sign a new striker who can deliver consistent goals and re-establish the club as genuine title contenders, rather than perennial top-six hopefuls.
In this article, Everything Chelsea explores three strikers the Blues could target this summer to replace Jackson as the club’s number one forward – and why each could be the perfect fit at Stamford Bridge.
Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Matheus Cunha has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season. The Brazilian forward has netted 14 goals – many of them stunning long-range strikes – playing a pivotal role in securing Wolves’ top-flight status for an eighth consecutive year.
While Cunha signed a new contract at Molineux in February, the deal includes a £62.5 million release clause, keeping the door firmly open for a summer departure.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are currently leading the race for Cunha’s signature, having already held “positive” initial talks with the 25-year-old over a move to Old Trafford.
However, given United’s well-documented struggles this season – even more severe than Chelsea’s – it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Cunha turn down the Red Devils in favour of a club with a clearer project and European ambitions.
Chelsea, who have also been linked with Cunha, cannot yet guarantee Champions League football, but a strong finish to the season could see them leapfrog into contention. If they do, the Blues would be able to offer Cunha a leading role in the attack – and a financial package few clubs could match.
Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)
Ipswich Town look destined for a swift return to the Championship, but one shining light in their disappointing Premier League campaign has been striker Liam Delap.
The 22-year-old has scored 12 league goals this season – a solid return for a side that has struggled massively at both ends of the pitch. His direct style, strength, and willingness to run in behind defenders have made him a nightmare for backlines and a standout performer in an otherwise doomed campaign.
Given his performances, Delap is almost certain to leave Portman Road this summer – and Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation.
While Delap might not be as proven or high-profile as someone like Cunha, his raw potential and physical attributes could make him a smart investment for the Blues. His pace, power, and off-the-ball movement offer exactly the kind of threat Chelsea’s attack has been lacking this season.
Moreover, Delap has history with current Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca from their time together at Manchester City’s youth setup. That familiarity could smooth his transition to life at Stamford Bridge – assuming, of course, Maresca remains in charge.
Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
Serhou Guirassy has quietly established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers over the past two seasons.
The Guinea international netted a remarkable 30 goals in 30 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023/24, earning a summer move to Borussia Dortmund. And he hasn’t slowed down since – scoring 28 goals in 40 games this season, including 13 in the Champions League, making him the tournament’s current top scorer.
Despite his personal form, Dortmund have endured a disappointing domestic campaign and are now in serious danger of missing out on next season’s Champions League.
As a result, Guirassy could be on the move again, with reports suggesting he has a release clause in the region of £51–£64 million.
If Chelsea could activate that clause closer to the lower end of the scale, it would represent excellent value for money.
Guirassy has all the traits the Blues have lacked up front this season – intelligent movement, physicality, aerial dominance, two-footed finishing, and, most importantly, a lethal eye for goal.
At 29, he doesn’t exactly fit Chelsea’s youth-centric transfer model, but the club desperately need experienced firepower to guide their young squad – and Guirassy, now in the prime of his career, could be the ideal short-term solution.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC)
If Chelsea are searching for a forward who blends pace, skill, and clinical finishing—along with being at a prime age and realistically attainable this summer – then Ademola Lookman should be high on their shortlist.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year has been outstanding since joining Atalanta, tallying 50 goals and 24 assists in 114 appearances. His crowning moment came last season when he bagged a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading the Italian side to a historic victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
However, Lookman’s future in Bergamo now appears uncertain. Reports suggest tension between the Nigerian international and Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini following a public fallout, which stemmed from the coach seemingly blaming him for a costly missed penalty in their Champions League exit earlier this year.
As a result, Europe's top clubs are now circling, with Barcelona, Newcastle United, and Chelsea all monitoring the situation.
For the Blues, Lookman could be a game-changer. He’s explosive in transition, can beat defenders one-on-one, and – unlike many of Chelsea’s current wide options – delivers consistent end product. Compared to someone like the banned Mykhailo Mudryk, Lookman offers far greater composure and decision-making in the final third.
There’s also the added motivation of unfinished business in the Premier League. Despite showing flashes of his talent during spells at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester, Lookman never truly cemented his place. A return to England – especially with a point to prove – could be the perfect next chapter.
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