Former Chelsea defender and current television presenter Jason Cundy has made a bold recommendation to his old club, urging them to pursue a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez this summer while considering loaning out £30 million signing Liam Delap.
Cundy's Transfer Recommendation for Chelsea
Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy emphasised that Chelsea should target "Premier League-ready" players like Julian Alvarez, who has been linked with several top clubs including Arsenal and Barcelona. The 26-year-old Argentine international, a World Cup winner, has established himself as a proven goalscorer with 40 goals in 88 appearances for Atletico Madrid.
"Julian Alvarez fits that type of player that we need," Cundy stated. "He's Premier League ready. You're not going to be waiting for someone to adapt to the Premier League."
Alvarez's Impressive Credentials
Before his move to Spain, Alvarez spent two successful seasons at Manchester City where he contributed to two Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, and an FA Cup victory. Despite Atletico Madrid's reluctance to sell, reports suggest they would demand around £82 million for the Argentine forward if forced into a deal.
Cundy, who made 41 appearances for Chelsea during his playing career, believes Alvarez represents exactly the type of proven talent the Blues should be targeting in the transfer market.
The Delap Dilemma
While advocating for Alvarez's signing, Cundy also suggested Chelsea should consider loaning out striker Liam Delap, who joined the club from Ipswich Town last summer for £30 million. Despite reaching double figures for relegated Ipswich last season, Delap has managed just one Premier League goal since his move to Stamford Bridge.
"My guess would be that maybe Liam Delap goes on loan, that might be an option," Cundy suggested. "He feels a bit raw, he's had one season in the Premier League. Maybe he needs to go and play every week."
Agbonlahor's Critical Assessment
Cundy's talkSPORT colleague Gabriel Agbonlahor has echoed concerns about Delap's development, particularly criticising his deployment on the wing during Chelsea's Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal.
"He looked lost," the former Aston Villa striker observed. "This isn't working. I said when he joined Chelsea that I thought he should have gone to a team like Everton. Develop there for a couple of years and then make the big move to a top-six side. I think the jump from Ipswich to Chelsea was too much."
Agbonlahor added that while he appreciates Delap's qualities as a traditional striker, the player "just doesn't look sharp enough for the top level of the Premier League."
Chelsea's Striker Situation
Chelsea invested nearly £100 million in strikers last summer, bringing in both Delap and Joao Pedro from Brighton. While Pedro has scored 13 goals across all competitions in his debut season, Delap's limited impact has raised questions about whether he was ready for such a significant step up in competition.
The debate about Chelsea's striking options comes after their disappointing 2-2 draw with Leeds United, where they surrendered a two-goal lead despite goals from Pedro and Cole Palmer. Delap made only a late substitute appearance in that match, further highlighting his peripheral role in the squad.
As Chelsea plan their summer transfer strategy, Cundy's recommendations highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing immediate needs with long-term player development at the highest level of English football.
