Chelsea ‘are keen’ on Premier League youngster as they search for a new No 9… with 21-year-old rising star ranking ‘exceptionally highly’ by recruitment staff
- Chelsea are reportedly looking for a new number 9 as they look to score more goals
- A 21-year-old striker who has been in good form this season is said to catch the eye
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Chelsea are reportedly keeping an eye on an in-form Premier League youngster as they begin planning their next leap into the transfer market.
The Blues have spent big on players since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took control of the club in May 2022, but it appears the transfer carousel is underway once again.
Under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, this young team has improved significantly and is in the race for a top four finish this season.
There is still a feeling in some quarters that they do not have a reliable goalscorer and so it is no surprise that it is the strikers they are reportedly collecting more and more data about.
One of them, so the iis Ipswich’s 21-year-old striker Liam Delap, who has scored six goals from 11 Premier League games this season.
Delap is said to have been internally rated ‘exceptionally high’ on Chelsea’s ‘advanced transfer statistics’, with the Blues keeping tabs on him ahead of the January window.
Enzo Maresca is reportedly plotting a move for a new number 9 to strengthen his Chelsea side
A 21-year-old rising star is one of the players Chelsea would love right now
Delap’s all-round play has been as impressive as his goal returns so far, with the report further explaining that clubs have remained enamored with his movement, physical threat and acceleration.
Chelsea would be a curious landing spot, not least because they are a very young side and Maresca has shown an ability to nurture and develop young and exciting talents.
Delap left Manchester City last summer to join Ipswich in a deal worth around £20 million, although City included both a buy-back and sell-on clause in the contract.
A number 9 is said to be on Chelsea’s wish list having missed out on Victor Osimhen, who left Napoli to join Galatasaray in a strange turn of events.
Delap is an exciting prospect who many at the top believe can get even better.
Last month, England Under-21 interim boss Ben Futcher was effusive in his praise for the youngster.
“Liam was an absolute handful. If you want to fight him, he will match you. “If you want to race him, he will win the race,” he said.
Liam Delap (right) has been a bull’s eye for Ipswich this season and has already scored six league goals
‘He’s very difficult to deal with, he’s fast, he’s powerful and he’s in good form in the Premier League.
“Liam is a top number nine and he will continue to develop.”
Delap will get the chance to further announce himself on the biggest stage this weekend when Ipswich host Ruben Amorim-managed Manchester United for the first time.
United go into the match as favorites following the management change, but Delap and Ipswich will be keen to put a dagger in their visitors’ newfound optimism.