According to Metro, Chelsea are considering a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap after reportedly cooling their interest in Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who is also a target for Arsenal.
The Blues had targeted a new striker last summer and even sent a delegation to Naples in an attempt to bring Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to Stamford Bridge. However, the deal for Osimhen fell through on transfer deadline day. Despite the setback, Chelsea’s season under manager Enzo Maresca has not suffered due to the failure to sign a new goalscorer.
Chelsea’s season, which many had predicted would be a difficult one, has instead been marked by impressive performances. The club has been one of the Premier League’s most exciting teams, losing only two of their first 12 games and climbing to third place in the table. The previously criticized Nicolas Jackson has found form in front of goal, scoring seven goals in 13 appearances, signaling his potential to be Chelsea's long-term striker.
In spite of Jackson’s recent success, Chelsea is still linked with numerous attacking options, and the latest player to emerge as a target is Delap. The 21-year-old, who is the son of former Stoke City midfielder Rory, joined Ipswich from Manchester City in a £20m move and has since scored six goals in 11 Premier League matches. Delap had been highly regarded by coaches at City but left in search of regular first-team football after making just six appearances over four years at the Etihad. His departure included a buy-back clause in his contract, but Chelsea is reportedly keen on acquiring him, as he is rated “exceptionally highly” by the club’s transfer department.
Despite Ipswich’s difficult start to the season, with only one win since their return to the Premier League, Delap’s individual performances have impressed. His all-round play, work rate, and ability to score goals have caught the attention of rival clubs, including Chelsea, who are seeking younger alternatives to established stars like Osimhen. Although Chelsea may revisit their interest in Osimhen in the coming months, Delap remains a key target as the club looks to strengthen its attacking options.
Under Todd Boehly’s ownership, Chelsea's transfer policy has often been the subject of criticism, but the club’s recent form has suggested that their long-term vision might be paying off. Chelsea currently sits above London rivals Arsenal and just one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League, showing signs of a title challenge after a dismal period in the previous season.
Osimhen, who has been one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, is not the only high-profile forward Chelsea has pursued. They have also been linked with Isak, the Swedish international who has impressed since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022. Isak has scored 40 goals in 78 appearances for the Magpies and has been a key figure in Newcastle's rise under Eddie Howe. His strong performances have not only attracted the attention of Chelsea but also caught the eye of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, who is looking to bolster his attacking options.
However, despite Chelsea’s interest, they have reportedly cooled their pursuit of Isak. Newcastle remains confident that the striker is happy at St James' Park and settled at the club, dampening any potential transfer rumors for the time being. Chelsea, meanwhile, is focusing on securing a younger forward in Delap, who is seen as a long-term prospect capable of making a significant impact.
Delap’s performance against Manchester United on Sunday, where he failed to add to his goal tally but played a dominant role in helping Ipswich secure a point, only solidified his reputation. After the match, former Premier League player Danny Murphy praised Delap’s potential, describing him as the "obvious long-term successor" to England captain Harry Kane. “He has got a lot of qualities,” Murphy said on Match of the Day.
“I have seen him quite a lot this season and I would probably go as far as to say he is the obvious long-term successor to [Harry] Kane.
I think he is the best young English striker out there.
I know he has got a lot to learn and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league, but he has got all the attributes to be a top international player.
I just don’t see a weakness for him.
He has scored enough goals in a struggling side really, but if he gets a lot of chances he will score more.
He has just got that lovely balance between physical and technical [ability] and rarely do you get both. He is a super talent.”
In addition to Delap’s goal-scoring ability, his overall technical skills and physicality have made him a highly sought-after prospect.
His performance at Ipswich has demonstrated his ability to adapt to the Premier League, and should Chelsea complete a move for him, he could be a key part of their attacking setup in the coming years.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Delap highlights their focus on securing young, talented players with potential, and his performances this season suggest he could be a star in the making for both club and country.
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