Emile Heskey lauds “fantastic” Liam Delap and explains why the striker is “fascinating” | OneFootball

Former Premier League striker Emile Heskey believes Chelsea have signed a “fantastic” player in Liam Delap.

The Blues made Delap their first summer signing after agreeing a deal with Ipswich worth £30m for the 22-year-old.

Chelsea had identified Delap as their top target and will be delighted to have fought off strong interest from Manchester United.

Heskey praises “fantastic” Liam Delap

Chelsea paid the price at times last season for not having an alternative to Nicolas Jackson, but moved quickly to address the issue this summer.

Delap impressed in his debut Premier League campaign and scored 12 goals, whilst he will bring a much needed different dimension to the Chelsea attack.

Cole Palmer believes Delap is one of the best strikers in the league, whilst Maresca praised the England under-21 international on a number of occasions last season.

Delap will wear the number nine shirt next season. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Alan Shearer thinks Delap is a great signing for the Blues and Heskey has now had his say on Chelsea’s new number nine.

“I think they [Chelsea] have signed a fantastic player in Delap,” he said as cited on X.com.

“He’s an interesting player because we’ve gone away from that type of striker, the old school 9.

Delap is the latest example of a more traditional centre forward. He can do more than just score, but he comes alive working in the box.

“I think it’s fascinating to see these types of players making a comeback.”

Chelsea eye further attacking reinforcements

With Delap through the door Chelsea are still looking at adding further attacking reinforcements to Maresca’s squad.

The Blues are in the market for a wide player and it appears Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens is the most likely to join at this stage.

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Chelsea are also said to be looking for a more versatile player to replace Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix who are set to leave this summer.

Hugo Ekitike, Mohammed Kudus and Morgan Rogers are names of interest, but it remains to be seen if Chelsea will make a serious move for one of those three.