Chelsea are closing in on the signing of the Ipswich striker Liam Delap and are plotting further key additions as they seek to mould a winning dynasty and help Enzo Maresca’s young side build on qualifying for the Champions League and their triumph in the Conference League.
Maresca, who wants to use his team’s 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final as a springboard for future success, enjoys the backing of the club’s hierarchy after a successful first year in charge and will not face demands to win the Premier League next season.
Chelsea’s owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, feel they are on the right track after securing their first piece of silverware since their takeover in 2022.
Their strategy of targeting the best young talent in the world is starting to bear fruit and there is no desire to put undue pressure on Maresca or his maturing squad.
Chelsea, who have given their squad 10 days off before focus switches to participating in the expanded Club World Cup next month, will try to be clinical in the transfer market this summer.
Signing at least one new forward is the priority and the west London club have a provisional agreement with Delap, who has also been targeted by Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle.
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The 22-year-old favours a move to Chelsea after hearing their pitch and the next step will be to trigger his release clause, which has dropped to £30m after Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League.
Delap wants to play in Europe and he already knows Maresca from his time in Manchester City’s academy. It is understood that one hurdle to clear is Ipswich’s signalling a desire to take Marc Guiu on loan during their talks with Chelsea. The 19-year-old forward is yet to be convinced.
However, sources say Delap is Chelsea’s to lose. It remains to be seen if the Stamford Bridge club restrict themselves to signing one forward.
Bringing in two would raise questions over the future of Nicolas Jackson, who scored his side’s second goal against Betis. Chelsea are monitoring Hugo Ekitike but feel Eintracht Frankfurt’s £84m valuation is too steep.
The Guardian
