Chelsea are set for a late scramble to resolve their striker situation, with Conrad Harder emerging as a target to facilitate Nicolas Jackson’s departure.

According to The Athletic, Conrad Harder has emerged as a target for Chelsea in the latter stages of the window. The injury to Liam Delap on Saturday has set in motion a series of events that have seen Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich cancelled, as they view the Sporting CP star as a replacement for the Senegal international if he ends up making his move to the Bavarians.

Chelsea were at the centre of a drama following the events on Saturday. Summer arrival Liam Delap suffered a serious hamstring injury against Fulham, with Enzo Maresca insisting the striker might end up missing six to eight weeks of action, which is far from ideal for the Blues given the tight schedule ahead.

The effects of the Delap injury were felt in Germany, where Nicolas Jackson was recalled by Chelsea as he had landed to undergo his medicals with Bayern Munich. The Senegal striker has since refused to return and is insistent on making his move to the Bavarian giants.

Jackson was deemed unwanted by Chelsea, and he was close to joining Bayern Munich on a loan deal with heavy clauses that would have seen the deal made permanent next summer. The striker is intent on joining Vincent Kompany’s side, but the Chelsea situation has added a thick layer of complication.

Chelsea might be open to selling Jackson on a permanent deal now, as opposed to their earlier loan agreement with Bayern Munich. Due to the good relations between the two sides, fresh talks are all the more likely to find a solution as the Bavarians seek the Senegal striker. In the event of Jackson’s permanent departure, Chelsea are keen to sign a new striker, with Conrad Harder’s name being mentioned.

Chelsea are keen on Conrad Harder, but a deal is difficult

Chelsea are angling for a move for Harder as a replacement for Jackson and cover for Delap. The Dane is a good option given his performances for Sporting CP, where he has contributed to 19 goals. However, there are issues in completing a late deal for the striker, who, according to Fussball Transfers, is about to have his medicals with RB Leipzig ahead of a proposed move.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that RB Leipzig were closing in on a move for Conrad Harder, and also stated the striker chose the German giants over AC Milan and Rennes for sporting reasons. However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea follows up with an offer for the 19 G/A Sporting striker, and his response will be critical, not only to the Blues solving their striker issue but also in the case of Jackson’s immediate future.