The summer transfer window is almost here with it expected to be another busy one for Chelsea.
The Blues currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table. If they stay there following the last two games of the season then they will be playing Champions League football in the 2025/26 campaign.
Whatever happens between now and the final whistle of the season, Enzo Maresca will be keen to add to his squad in the summer. One area of priority is a new striker.
Chelsea have somehow found themselves short on options up front when Nicolas Jackson has not been available. He will miss the final two games of the season through suspension after being shown a straight red card against Newcastle.
It’s something they’ll look to rectify in the summer window. One of the players to be linked with a moce to Stamford Bridge is Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
Despite the Tractor Boys’ relegation back to the Championship, Delap has impressed with his performances in the Premier League. In his 35 games so far, the 22-year-old has scored 12 goals.
He also has a £30 million release clause in his contract at Portman Road. Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League activated the clause.
Chelsea are, however, not the only club linked with a potential summer move for Delap. Manchester United have been heavily linked, with some reports claiming that the player himself is leaning towards a move to Old Trafford .
Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are also said to be showing an interest. Both of the latter teams are competing with Chelsea for a place in the Champions League next season.
However, Chelsea could have not one, but two secret weapons in helping them to beat off the competition for the striker.
Delap came through the academy system at Manchester City before moving to Ipswich last summer. He is just a year younger than Chelsea star Cole Palmer, meaning that the two would have played together in the City youth teams as they made their way in the game.
Palmer’s success at Chelsea since moving from City could work to the club’s advantage in trying to convince Delap to choose a move to Stamford Bridge.
Delap’s time at City would also have seen him work under Chelsea boss Maresca. The Italian was manager of City’s Premier League 2 squad for the league winning 2020/21 season.
That season saw Delap score 24 goals in 20 Premier League 2 appearances, as well as three goals in two EFL Trophy games. Having worked under Maresca, and been successful under the now Chelsea boss before, Delap will know that the manager can get the best out of him.
Maresca could also use the relationship the two already have to try and convince him to move to Stamford Bridge.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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