Chelsea are eyeing Ipswich Town's talented young forward Liam Delap as they continue to explore options to strengthen their attacking line-up according to Simon Phillips. The 21-year-old, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City this summer, has caught the attention of Chelsea's recruitment team with his impressive performances in the early stages of the Premier League season.
A promising talent with a rich footballing background
Delap's footballing journey has been an intriguing one. After spending a decade in Derby County's youth set-up, he moved to Manchester City's academy in 2019. Despite making his senior debut for City and featuring in the Champions League, Delap found it challenging to secure a regular spot in the first team.
Following loan spells at Stoke City, Preston, and Hull City, he secured a permanent transfer to Ipswich Town in July 2024 for a reported fee of £20 million. Since arriving at Ipswich, Delap has wasted no time in making his mark on the Premier League, scoring in a 1-1 draw against Fulham and netting both goals in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
Chelsea's interest in Delap amidst re-evaluation of striking department
Chelsea's interest in Delap comes as they re-evaluate their striking department. While Nicolas Jackson has shown signs of improvement and Christopher Nkunku offers a potent threat off the bench, the Blues are still actively exploring potential additions to their forward line.
Manager Enzo Maresca is content with his current squad, having overseen a strong start to the campaign, but the club continues to keep a close eye on potential targets who could significantly bolster their attacking options.
Any potential move for Delap could face significant hurdles. Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is reportedly reluctant to entertain any offers for the striker in January, given his crucial role in the team's battle for Premier League survival.
Furthermore, Manchester City have included both a buy-back clause and a 20% sell-on clause in Delap's transfer to Ipswich, which could complicate any future negotiations. Chelsea are not the only club to have taken notice of Delap's talents, and competition for his signature could be intense if he maintains his impressive form.
Alternative options and future plans
The Blues are also considering alternative striker options, such as Aston Villa's Jhon Duran, whose value has risen following strong performances in both the Premier League and Champions League. While a January move for Delap appears improbable, Chelsea may revisit their interest in the summer, particularly if Ipswich face relegation from the Premier League.
For the time being, the Blues will continue to monitor Delap's progress, alongside other potential striking targets, as they seek to enhance their attacking options for the future.