According to a report by Sky Sports, Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
Delap has a £30m release clause in his Ipswich contract following their relegation and has chosen Chelsea despite interest from a long list of clubs.
The 22-year-old striker has attracted attention from several Premier League sides, including Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton. However, Delap has opted for Chelsea, largely due to the club’s return to the Champions League and his prior relationship with head coach Enzo Maresca.
Delap previously worked with Maresca during his time at Manchester City, and that connection is believed to have played a significant role in the move.
Following their victory in the UEFA Conference League final last night, Chelsea are set for a busy transfer window, and the Englishman could well become their first signing of the summer.
He fits the profile of striker Chelsea are looking for, and the overall cost of the deal, including wages, is another major consideration. Chelsea’s recruitment strategy is to sign young, developing players on long, incentivised contracts.
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Delap is 22, has Premier League experience and worked with Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca and recruitment co-director Joe Shields at Manchester City.
The move aligns with Chelsea’s long-term project of assembling a youthful and dynamic squad. Delap’s Premier League experience and potential for development make him an ideal candidate to challenge Nicolas Jackson in the striker role. The club sees Delap as a valuable addition who can contribute immediately while growing into a leading figure at Stamford Bridge.
Amid the ongoing situation with Delap, Ipswich have an interest in Chelsea striker Marc Guiu. His name is understood to have been mentioned in discussions around the Delap deal.
Ipswich have been aware of Guiu for a while, and he fits the type of striker they would like to sign in Delap’s place.
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