Chelsea eye £30m striker as Ipswich clause sparks Premier League race | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Liam Delap as Summer Striker Search Intensifies

Striker’s Clause Opens Door to Premier League Transfer Battle

As another Premier League season approaches its end, Chelsea find themselves once again preparing for a rebuild — not in terms of philosophy, but personnel. According to The Standard, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap has emerged as a potential solution in attack, with a £30 million release clause set to become active should Ipswich return to the Championship.

Delap, still just 21, has made a solid impact this season following his £20 million move from Manchester City. He has scored 12 goals in 33 appearances for an Ipswich side fighting a near-hopeless relegation battle, sitting 12 points from safety with just seven games remaining. “Delap’s impressive form appears unlikely to prevent Ipswich from returning to the Championship,” notes the report.

Photo IMAGO

Maresca Connection Adds Intrigue

For Chelsea, the interest goes beyond numbers. Manager Enzo Maresca worked closely with Delap during his time in charge of Manchester City’s Under-21s, and their relationship may prove pivotal in any transfer discussions. “Before Ipswich beat Chelsea in December, Maresca had touted the 21-year-old as a player with a big future.” Delap repaid that faith, scoring and assisting in a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge — a performance that left a lasting impression.

Photo: IMAGO

Competition Gathers for Cut-Price Forward

Chelsea are not alone. Manchester United have also been credited with interest, especially as they continue to evaluate attacking options amid Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s ongoing struggles. Delap, at £30 million, presents a more economical solution than Viktor Gyökeres — another target who could cost double that amount.

Photo: IMAGO

Newcastle United are also monitoring Delap as they prepare for potential exits, with Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak both the subject of growing speculation.

Manchester City, meanwhile, retain a buy-back clause but are not expected to activate it. They will benefit regardless, thanks to a sell-on clause that guarantees them £6 million from any future sale.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Liam Delap ticks the usual boxes: young, Premier League-ready, and priced for potential resale. But is he the right profile for a club needing immediate firepower? That’s the bigger question.

Delap is promising — no doubt. But 12 goals in a struggling side doesn’t automatically translate to success at a club where the pressure is constant and opportunities are rarely handed out generously. We’ve seen many young strikers arrive at Stamford Bridge with hype and promise, only to stagnate.

The Maresca connection is interesting, but nostalgia shouldn’t drive recruitment. Chelsea need a striker who can lead the line now, not one who might develop in 18 months. With bigger names like Osimhen or Sesko being linked across Europe, going for Delap feels like a gamble — and fans know all too well how those have gone in recent years.

If Chelsea are serious about climbing back to the top, this can’t just be another hopeful punt. It has to be the right fit. Is Delap that? The jury’s still out.