Chelsea Eyes Ipswich Striker Liam Delap in Potential January Transfer Frenzy

Chelsea is reportedly plotting a surprise move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, according to a recent report by The Athletic. The 21-year-old English forward has impressed with his goalscoring exploits at Portman Road since his summer transfer from Manchester City.

Delap’s impressive form of six goals in 16 Premier League appearances hasn’t gone unnoticed, attracting the attention of Chelsea ahead of the January transfer window. The report claims Chelsea has added Delap to a shortlist of potential attacking reinforcements, with the number ranging between five and ten players.

However, it seems Ipswich Town is unlikely to entertain any offers for Delap during the current season. The club is currently battling relegation, and losing their star striker in January would be a significant blow to their survival hopes.

This news comes alongside reports that Chelsea has cooled its interest in Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker is currently on loan at Galatasaray after failing to secure a permanent move away from Napoli in the summer.

While targeting new attacking talent, Chelsea is also looking to offload some of its current squad members. The report states that selling Ben Chilwell is a priority for the club due to his high wages despite limited playing time under manager Enzo Maresca.

Carney Chukwuemeka could also be on his way out if a suitable bid arrives. The young midfielder has a release clause worth £40 million, making him a potentially lucrative target for other clubs.

Other players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Harvey Vale, Axel Disasi, and Cesare Casadei might also be available for the right price, according to the report.

Chelsea faces competition for Delap’s signature in the January window. Premier League rivals Manchester United and Italian giants Juventus are also reportedly interested in the young striker.

Delap’s performances have garnered significant attention, with some pundits touting him as the potential successor to Harry Kane for England. BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy recently praised Delap, stating, “He’s the best young English striker out there.”

While he acknowledges Delap has room for development, Murphy believes the striker possesses all the attributes to become a top international player.

Chelsea’s January transfer window promises to be eventful, with potential arrivals and departures shaping the squad for the rest of the season. Whether they can secure Delap or another top target amidst competition remains to be seen.