Chelsea announce the arrival of Liam Delap | OneFootball

Chelsea have officially announced the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, bringing an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the forward’s future.

The 22-year-old joins Chelsea on a long-term deal after scoring 12 goals in the Premier League this season, including one against his new employers.

Delap had been courted by Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle United but opted to join Chelsea, where he will reunite with Enzo Maresca.

Having emerged as Delap’s preferred destination, Chelsea wasted no time triggering his £30 million relegation release clause.

Delap’s arrival provides manager Chelsea with a different attacking profile – one based on strength, directness and movement in the box.

The move is part of Chelsea’s ongoing recruitment strategy, focused on acquiring young, high-potential players to bolster the club’s long-term prospects.

Speaking for the first time as a Chelsea player, Delap said (h/t the club’s official website): “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.

“It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”

Delap is Chelsea’s first arrival of the summer window, but further additions are expected over the next couple of days.

Due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea are seeking to conduct a vast majority of their business early and are pursuing a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

They are also in contact with Borussia Dortmund over a deal for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.