Arsenal's bid to sign a new striker has focussed on Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko but Theo Walcott wanted them to be in the race for Liam Delap, who joined Chelsea earlier this month
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, and Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, embrace prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca had differing thoughts
(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Theo Walcott has been left 'disappointed' by Arsenal's decision not to sign Liam Delap. The Gunners are on the hunt for a new striker this summer but it was Chelsea who triggered the striker's £30million release clause in his Ipswich contract.
Despite Manchester United holding talks with Delap, it was the Blues who won the race for his signature, with Arsenal a non-runner. Delap, 22, impressed during his first full season in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals following his move from Manchester City.
But instead of looking at recruiting homegrown talent, Arsenal are targeting Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. Had Walcott been calling the shots at the Emirates, they'd have made a gone after Delap.
"Delap going to Chelsea worries me as an Arsenal fan," Walcott told the Athletic. "I know they have been going for that No.9, that Didier Drogba type, it's that curse of the No.9.
"Delap can break that curse because he's a really good striker. He's the next one after Harry Kane for England. [It] disappoints me as an Arsenal fan if you don't go after someone like that. You can see it in him as well, you can see his fight. He doesn't care who he plays against."
Delap worked with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca in the academy at City and the Blues boss was instrumental in his decision. "I know how he plays. I've played in this system before," the 22-year-old explained to BBC Sport.
"It's very similar now but with little tweaks. I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That's what excited me.
Delap also revealed how a conversation with Chelsea star Cole Palmer helped make his decision. "You never know if it is going to be the right decision but you've just got to go with your gut and hope it works out," the ex-England under-21 international continued.
Should Arsenal have signed Liam Delap? Have your say in the comments section.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 20: Liam Delap #9 of Chelsea F.C. during the FIFA Club World Cup Group D game against CR Flamengo on June 20, 2025 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Chelsea signed Liam Delap for £30million
"You've got to take your time. I took a few days to speak to people and decide my future. I asked him what I needed to ask him, he told me what I needed to know. But I don't like too much information. Ultimately it was my decision so I kind of just want my head to be clear."
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