Chelsea are reportedly at the forefront in the pursuit of Ipswich Town’s prolific forward, Liam Delap, with the club being tipped as ‘firm favourites’ to nab the promising young talent this summer. Despite widespread interest, with Delap reportedly engaging conversations with almost half of the Premier League, Stamford Bridge could be his next destination.
A shining product of Manchester City’s esteemed academy, Delap has excelled since departing the Etihad. Having featured sparingly for City’s first team, the 22-year-old has impressively netted 12 goals and contributed two assists in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea are hoping to replicate the success they experienced with another City academy graduate, Cole Palmer, who flourished instantly after his move to west London last season. The Blues are optimistic that Delap will bring a similar spark, given their longstanding interest and the clear path into the first team they can offer him.
Despite interest from a host of top-tier teams—specifically Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and West Ham—Chelsea’s intent remains unwavering. Delap’s future is particularly pertinent as Ipswich face the looming threat of relegation, currently 12 points adrift from safety.
Rumour has it that an offer of around £40 million could seal the deal come summer, positioning Chelsea as the team most likely to benefit from Delap’s next leap in his career.
Reuniting Delap with Palmer could prove a tactical masterpiece for Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. The pair amassed an impressive synergy during their stints in City’s academy and England’s youth squads, collaborating for eight goals across 33 matches, and only tasting defeat twice as teammates. Now seasoned players, their partnership could add significant firepower to Chelsea’s frontline.