Chelsea’s shrewd acquisition of Cole Palmer from Manchester City last season has set a new standard for Premier League transfers.
The Blues’ attempt to replicate this success with Ipswich Town’s rising star, Liam Delap, could be hampered by intense competition from other top-flight clubs.
Delap, a former Manchester City academy product, joined Ipswich for a fee of around €18 million.
His impressive performances in the Premier League have attracted interest from several clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa. Manchester City, who retain a buy-back clause and a 20% sell-on fee, are also monitoring Delap’s progress.
Data analytics firm SciSports suggests that Delap’s playing style is similar to Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund, with elements of Romelu Lukaku and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. While Delap’s potential is undeniable, Chelsea will face stiff competition to secure his signature.