Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been warned that the club may have already made their first mistake of the summer transfer window after missing out on highly-rated striker Liam Delap.
The window officially opened on June 1 to give teams participating in the upcoming Club World Cup a head start on signings. It will temporarily close on June 10 before reopening from June 16 until the final deadline on September 1.
For Arsenal, the transfer period is crucial following a fifth consecutive season without silverware. The Gunners once again fell short in the Premier League title race, finishing second to champions Liverpool for a third straight year. They also exited the Champions League at the semi-final stage, losing to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
READ MORE: Arsenal agree personal terms with summer target as move nears completion
Determined to push his squad to the next level, Arteta is prioritising moves for a new striker and a central midfielder. A £51 million deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is believed to be close, but Arsenal’s striker hunt continues, with talks reportedly held over Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.
Liam Delap
Liam Delap (Image credit: Getty Images)
However, the club has come under criticism for allowing 21-year-old Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to slip through their grasp. The England youth international, who netted 12 Premier League goals for a struggling Ipswich side, has agreed to join Chelsea in a £30 million deal, a fee widely viewed as a bargain in today’s inflated market.
Speaking ontalkSPORT, former EFL striker Adebayo Akinfenwa questioned Arsenal’s decision not to move for the young forward.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“I don’t understand how Arsenal didn’t snap him up,” Akinfenwa said. “£30 million is chump change in today’s market, especially when you need a proper No.9. They’re talking about him as a future Harry Kane replacement — it’s a no-brainer.”
Adebayo Akinfenwa
Former EFL striker Adebayo Akinfenwa (Image credit: Getty Images)
Akinfenwa went on to praise Delap’s physical presence, mentality, and potential to make a major impact at Stamford Bridge.
“He’s got that Diego Costa vibe, a player defenders will hate to face. I think he’s going to do really well. Arsenal should have been in for him the moment Ipswich got relegated.”
NEXT ARTICLE: PSG ready to accept £42m from Arsenal for Champions League winner