Fabrizio Romano confirms Ipswich Town transfer deal for 22-year-old forward | OneFootball

Ipswich Town are closing in on their latest signing of the summer window

Ipswich Town have agreed a deal with Italian side Como for forward Iván Azón.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the striker is set to join Kieran McKenna’s side on loan for the season with an option for a permanent move.

The Tractor Boys are looking to strengthen their side as they eye promotion straight back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

The Suffolk outfit began this summer with the departure of Liam Delap to Chelsea, which left them without their main number nine from the previous campaign.

Ipswich close in on Azón signing

It has been reported that Ipswich will pay a loan fee to Como worth €2 (£1.7) million to bring Azón to Portman Road for the remainder of the campaign.

It has also been claimed that the Tractor Boys have negotiated an obligation to buy clause in the event of promotion to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old will make the permanent switch to Ipswich at the end of the season if they gain promotion, with it understood a fee of €15 (£12.9) million has been agreed.

Azón signed for the Serie A in February of this year, but he has struggled for game time in Cesc Fabregas’ side.

He did not feature for the team at all after making the switch, having been a regular presence for his previous side Real Zaragoza in La Liga 2.

He contributed seven goals and two assists from 24 appearances in the Spanish second division last season before moving to Como.

Ipswich’s promotion ambition

Ipswich gained promotion to the Premier League in 2024, but suffered relegation after just one year back in the top flight.

McKenna’s side will have their sights set on promotion again this season, and they will be hoping Azón’s arrival will help in achieving that goal.

The Suffolk outfit have also signed the likes of Azor Matusiwa, Jens Castuje, Ashley Young, Chuba Akpom and Cedric Kipre.

Ipswich drew their opening day clash with Birmingham City, and will face fellow promotion rivals Southampton next on 16 August in a 12.30pm kick-off.

Iván Azón signing is an underwhelming option

Azón’s lack of game time for Como is a concern, and indicates that Fabregas felt he wasn’t ultimately ready for life in the Italian top flight.

His record in La Liga 2 is solid but unspectacular for a forward, and it’s difficult to see him playing an important role for Ipswich this season.

A £1.7 million loan fee on its own would make it a worthwhile punt to add some depth to their attacking options.

However, the £12.9 million obligation to buy clause does attach a far greater expense that may not prove its value by the end of the campaign.