Chelsea is reportedly planning a surprise move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, according to a recent article by The Athletic. The 21-year-old English forward has caught attention with his goal-scoring performances since joining Ipswich from Manchester City this summer.
Delap has scored six goals in 16 Premier League matches, a run that has attracted Chelsea’s interest as the January transfer window approaches. The club has reportedly added him to a list of between five and ten potential attacking targets.
However, Ipswich Town is unlikely to entertain offers for Delap during this season, as they are currently fighting relegation. Losing their key striker in January would be a significant setback for their survival chances.
This news follows reports that Chelsea has reduced its interest in Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray after failing to secure a permanent move away from Napoli in the summer.
While pursuing new attacking options, Chelsea is also looking to offload several players. The report suggests that Ben Chilwell’s sale is a priority for the club, due to his high wages and limited playing time under manager Enzo Maresca. Carney Chukwuemeka could also leave if a suitable offer is made, with his £40 million release clause making him an attractive target for other clubs.
Other players such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harvey Vale, Axel Disasi, and Cesare Casadei may also be available for the right price.
Chelsea faces competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Italian giants Juventus, who are also reportedly interested in Delap.
Delap’s strong performances have attracted widespread praise, with some pundits considering him a possible future successor to Harry Kane for England. BBC Sport analyst Danny Murphy recently described him as “the best young English striker out there.” While Murphy recognizes Delap still has areas to improve, he believes the striker has the potential to become a top international player.
Chelsea’s January transfer window looks set to be busy, with potential moves shaping the team for the second half of the season. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea can secure Delap or another top target amid the competition.
