Chelsea Football Club has intensified its pursuit of Ipswich Town striker Liam Dela, dispatching scouts to observe the 22-year-old in action against Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend. Delap, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City for £20 million, has been a standout performer this season, netting ten Premier League goals despite his team’s challenges.
The Blues’ interest in Delap is partly driven by manager Enzo Maresca’s familiarity with the striker. Maresca previously coached Delap during their time at Manchester City’s youth setup, where the forward showcased his prolific scoring ability in a title-winning Premier League 2 campaign. This existing relationship could be pivotal as Chelsea seeks to bolster its attacking options.
Chelsea’s current striker lineup has faced setbacks, with injuries sidelining Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, and Christopher Nkunku struggling to find form. These challenges have underscored the need for a reliable goal scorer, positioning Delap as a viable target. His physicality and finishing prowess align with the club’s strategic objectives.
However, Chelsea is not alone in its admiration for Delap. Manchester United and Juventus have also expressed interest, with Juventus potentially eyeing him as a successor to Dusan Vlahovic. Additionally, Manchester City retains a buy-back clause, adding complexity to any potential transfer.
Ipswich Town, aware of the mounting interest, has reportedly set a substantial asking price for their star forward. While the exact figure remains undisclosed, estimates suggest it could be around £50 million. As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea’s scouting efforts indicate a proactive approach to securing Delap’s services, aiming to enhance their attacking lineup for the forthcoming season.
