Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has voiced concerns over Chelsea's impending signing of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, questioning whether the young forward can meet the goal-scoring demands at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement to sign the 22-year-old striker, who netted 12 goals in 40 appearances for Ipswich Town last season despite the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Speaking to PokerStrategy, Petit acknowledged Delap's talent but expressed reservations about the significant step up in expectations the young striker would face at Chelsea.

"Liam Delap has quality, I think he has done a great job at Ipswich, but it is a huge step," Petit said. "He has a really bright future and I have respect for him, but going from Ipswich to Chelsea is huge in terms of expectation and pressure, that number nine position at Chelsea has been a curse for so many players."

The World Cup winner specifically highlighted Chelsea's need for a prolific goalscorer, adding: "Chelsea need a striker who is going to score 25 goals a season, will Delap give you that? I'm not so sure."

Delap, who joined Ipswich Town from Manchester City in a £15 million move, now appears set to join Enzo Maresca's Chelsea squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The striker position has been problematic for Chelsea in recent years, with several high-profile forwards struggling to make a consistent impact at the London club.

Chelsea fans will be hoping Delap can buck this trend and prove Petit's concerns unfounded as the club continues its squad rebuilding under Maresca's guidance.