Chelsea are actively looking to bring in a striker next season, as Nicolas Jackson has failed to impress with his performances. The rumour mill has already started giving out multiple names as potential candidates for the first-choice number 9 role. But who will the Blues end up signing eventually?
Emanuel Emegha, Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and many more names have already been linked with a move to Chelsea. However, among all of them, some transfers are more likely to go through and Liam Delap certainly falls under that category.
It was earlier reported that the Blues are interested in signing the Ipswich Town striker. Now, to the fans’ delight, there is a positive update on that situation.
Fabrizio Romano has recently reported in a column on CaughtOffside that Delap has held talks with Chelsea already. The Italian journalist wrote:
"My understanding is that Delap has spoken to Chelsea and to Manchester United, and now it’s time for him to explore all the options possible. Let’s see if any other English clubs will try to join the race to present their project to Delap."
Delap has held initial talks with Chelsea and Manchester United
Ipswich Town have a release clause for Delap, which isn’t particularly high, and Chelsea certainly won’t have any trouble meeting that figure. However, they may have to fend off interest from several other top clubs who are also keen on signing the forward.
Ipswich Town have been relegated from the Premier League this season, which is why this release clause, believed to be set at around £30 million, has become active. So this deal could turn out to be one of Chelsea’s best bargains in recent years, if they can pull it off.
Chelsea may have a slight edge over other suitors, thanks to the friendship between their star player, Cole Palmer, and Delap. There’s also the fact that the forward is reportedly not interested in moving to a different league and wants a starting role wherever he ends up. He'll tick both boxes at Stamford Bridge.