Gabby Agbonlahor Says Chelsea Missed A Trick By Choosing Liam Delap Over Victor Osimhen

Former Premier League forward Gabby Agbonlahor has questioned Chelsea’s latest transfer decision, insisting the Blues would have been better served signing Victor Osimhen instead of Liam Delap.

Speaking after Chelsea’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, the former Aston Villa attacker expressed concerns over Delap’s readiness for elite Premier League football, despite acknowledging the striker’s raw potential.

Agbonlahor Questions Delap’s Readiness

Agbonlahor believes Chelsea may have rushed Delap’s development by bringing him straight from Ipswich Town to Stamford Bridge.

“I said when he joined Chelsea that I thought he should have gone to a team like Everton,” Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.
“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.”

While Delap has shown flashes of promise — including a bright display in a recent friendly — Agbonlahor feels the striker is still short of what’s required to lead the line for a club with Chelsea’s ambitions.

“When I look at him as a striker, I like him. He can hold up the ball well, he’s a good finisher, but he just doesn’t look sharp enough for the top level.”

“Chelsea Should Have Signed Victor Osimhen”

The outspoken pundit did not hesitate to name the striker he believes Chelsea should have prioritised.

“Someone like Victor Osimhen was the striker they should have gone out and got,” Agbonlahor added.

Osimhen’s proven pedigree at the highest level, coupled with his pace, power, and goal-scoring consistency, would have provided Chelsea with an immediate solution to their long-standing striker problem — something Agbonlahor feels Delap cannot yet offer.

Tactical Confusion Against Arsenal

Agbonlahor also criticised Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior for deploying Delap out of position during the loss to Arsenal, describing the decision as baffling.

“What I didn’t understand was Liam Delap on the right,” he said.
“I could play on the wing because I was quick, but if one sort of striker couldn’t play on the wing, it’s Liam Delap. He looked lost.”

According to Agbonlahor, Delap repeatedly struggled in one-on-one situations and failed to influence the game, raising further questions about Chelsea’s tactical approach and squad planning.

A Bigger Question For Chelsea

Chelsea’s recruitment policy has often focused on youth and potential, but Agbonlahor’s comments highlight a growing concern among pundits and fans alike: whether the club needs ready-made stars rather than long-term projects.

With pressure mounting and expectations high, the debate over Delap versus Osimhen may only intensify as the season unfolds.

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