Jacobs: Chelsea favourites to beat Man United in the race to sign £50m forward | OneFootball

Chelsea Leading the Race for Liam Delap Amidst Manchester United Interest

Chelsea appear to be frontrunners in the chase for Ipswich Town’s emerging star, Liam Delap. According to Ben Jacobs on GiveMeSport’s YouTube video, the Blues hold a strong position despite competition from Manchester United.

Delap’s Rise to Prominence

The 22-year-old striker has impressed in his first full Premier League season, scoring nine goals and providing two assists in 23 appearances. Delap’s form has sparked talk of an England call-up, further enhancing his profile. With Ipswich battling relegation from 19th place, a summer move looks highly likely.

Ben Jacobs shared insight on Market Madness podcast: “Chelsea can be considered favourites in the busy race to capture Delap. If Arsenal get Sesko, Chelsea then likely would move for Liam Delap. And then we wait and see whether Manchester United, who also appreciate Delap, can influence that situation.”

Jacobs also noted Delap’s interest in the Blues: “Delap, I think, is also quite intrigued by the Chelsea project, especially knowing that if he’s the number nine that comes in, he may stand a very strong chance of supplanting or at least competing with Nicolas Jackson.”

Financial Stakes and Ipswich’s Gain

Ipswich, who paid £20m to Manchester City for Delap, could see a windfall with his value now soaring to £50m. Jacobs commented on Manchester United’s possible involvement: “Of course, Manchester United fans being greedy and not thinking about finances will say, ‘We’ll just get Victor Gyokeres because Ruben Amorim likes him’, but that’s a £70million outlay.”

Delap’s Impact Against Chelsea

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be familiar with Delap’s threat. The Ipswich striker shone in their December meeting, scoring from the spot and assisting in a 2-0 victory. Maresca’s striker options are currently stretched, with Nicolas Jackson out for six weeks and Marc Guiu also sidelined.

Transfer Outlook for Chelsea

With Arsenal prioritising Sesko, Chelsea have a clear path to bid for Delap. Additionally, the Blues are eyeing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, battling Liverpool for the left-back as a potential successor to Andy Robertson.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Chelsea supporter, excitement is palpable at the prospect of Delap leading the line at Stamford Bridge. His physicality and finishing prowess, highlighted against Chelsea in December, address the club’s glaring No.9 issue. With Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu injured, the need for a reliable forward is urgent.

However, there is some scepticism over the £50m valuation given Delap’s limited top-flight experience. Is he worth the gamble, or should the club push for more proven targets like Victor Osimhen or Jonathan David?

From a Manchester United perspective, disappointment looms if they miss out on Delap, especially if he flourishes at a rival club. Ben Jacobs’ insight underscores United’s financial hesitation, which could leave the door wide open for Chelsea.

As the summer window nears, this transfer battle has all the ingredients to be one of the season’s most captivating storylines.