Enzo Maresca responds to Liam Delap transfer links after Chelsea discover release clause
Enzo Maresca has poure cold water on rumours linking Chelsea with Liam Delap,. Insisting the club already have ‘the perfect No.9’ at their disposal in Nicolas Jackson.
Widespread reports suggest Chelsea will prioritise สมัครสมาชิก UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีทุกวัน strengthening at centre-forward in the summer transfer window, with Jackson’s recent injury shining a spotlight on the Blues’ distinct lack of competition up front.
Christopher Nkunku has fallen some way short of expectations since arriving at Stamford Bridge and it’s a similar story with. Joao Felix, whose struggles have continue on loan at AC Milan since the turn of the year.
With Chelsea determine to close the gap on rivals Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, club bosses already begun. Work to identify possible solutions in the transfer market – and it’s understood Ipswich youngster Delap finds himself at the top of Maresca’s wishlist.
Delap has racke up 12 goals and two assists across an eye-catching first full season in the Premier League – and Chelsea are one of several top clubs keeping close tabs on the England Under-21 international.
Earlier this week, it emerge that Delap has a £30million release clause in his contract at Portman Road which comes into effect if Ipswich are relegate into the Championship.
‘He’s already very good,’ Maresca said of Delap ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Ipswich on Sunday.
‘I know Liam from five, six years ago. I had him for one season with Manchester City’s Under-23s so I know him quite well.
‘He’s already a good player, he’s already a very good player and he can be a top player.
‘It depends on him but he is doing well at Ipswich and all the best to him.
Delap opened the scoring in Ipswich’s 2-0 victory over Chelsea in December and Maresca knows his defence must be wary of the young striker.
‘It’s something we need to pay attention to, for sure,’ the Chelsea head coach added.
‘If you watch Ipswich, he is doing that against any team, not just against us. But in the first game, he was quite good for them.
‘We need to deal with that, and we need to do much, much better compare to the first game [the loss at Ipswich].’
Maresca continue: ‘In terms of numbers, he’s doing fantastic. I think he’s score 12 [Premier League] goals already.
‘It’s not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights and is always there.
‘But he’s an Ipswich player. He’s an enemy on Sunday because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future.