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"World-class" captain has told his club that he wants to join Chelsea - Sky Sports journalist

Chelsea are showcasing real ambition in the transfer market after qualifying for the Champions League next season, with the Blues looking back to manager Enzo Maresca after a successful debut campaign in the dugout.

Chelsea seal Liam Delap deal with more signings identified

On Wednesday, Chelsea officially announced the arrival of striker Liam Delap, who joins in a £30 million deal from Ipswich Town.

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The west Londoners want to get him in before the Club World Cup.

Delap, who scored 12 league goals for the Tractor Boys last season, but couldn't save them from relegation, will wear the number nine shirt and becomes eligible to take part in the Club World Cup later this month.

Liam Delap's best Premier League games for Ipswich last season Match Rating

Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea 8.08

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town 8.05

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa 8.04

Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton 7.83

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town 7.55

via WhoScored

Chelsea can register players in time for FIFA's competition due to a unique mini-transfer window, which is open until June 10, with Maresca having four more days to reinforce his squad ahead of the tournament.

BlueCo want one or two more new arrivals through the door before their CWC campaign kicks off, and Stamford Bridge chiefs have a number of plates spinning.

Journalist Simon Phillips claims Chelsea held fresh talks over a deal for Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato recently, with personal terms not seen as an issue considering the defender's desire to join Maresca's side.

Chelsea-Hato

Meanwhile, links continue to surround Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who could be their second striker signing after Delap.

As well as in attack and defence, Chelsea haven't given up on signing AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who's about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro.

AC Milan's Mike Maignan reacts

The France international, who captained Milan last season, is valued at around £25 million by the Rossoneri, despite his contract situation. Right now, Chelsea appear unwilling to go that far, but there is a major willingness from the 29-year-old himself to make the move happen.

Mike Maignan tells AC Milan he wants to join Chelsea

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, backing up other reports, Maignan has informed Milan that he wants to join Chelsea.

Convincing him is no issue, with the clubs now having to find common ground when it comes to his asking price. Maresca's side only want to pay around £10 million for the keeper as things stand (The Mail), so there are plenty of negotiations still to be had if a deal is still possible.

France's Kylian Mbappe, Jules Kounde and Mike Maignan during the national anthems before the match

This comes after another report from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, who told GiveMeSport that Maresca has personally approved Maignan's potential switch to west London.

With Chelsea's manager and the keeper wanting this deal done, they're simply waiting for club-to-club talks to reach a positive resolution.

Maignan, described as a "world-class" shot-stopper, has plenty of top-level experience - which is something lacking in Chelsea's overall squad - and is widely regarded as one of Serie A's top keepers.

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