“He’s my dream Stricker have been waiting for” – Enzo Maresca calls Premier League striker a ‘brilliant player’ after Chelsea open talks to sign him
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Nicolas Jackson has firmly established himself as Chelsea’s go-to striker this season. Despite stiff competition from a pool of talented attackers, the Senegalese forward has risen to prominence as the club’s primary No. 9. His performances in the Premier League have been nothing short of impressive, with nine goals and three assists to his name in 17 appearances.
Transfer Rumors Persist
Despite Jackson’s success, Chelsea is still exploring options to bolster their forward line. The latest name in the mix is Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. The Blues have reportedly initiated discussions about a potential move for the 21-year-old striker, assessing the feasibility of a transfer in 2025.
Enzo Maresca’s Praise for Delap
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has added fuel to the speculation by speaking highly of Delap during a recent press conference. Maresca, who previously coached Delap during their time at Manchester City’s academy, showered praise on the young striker’s abilities.
“Liam is a fantastic player,” Maresca said, as reported by Football.London. “We spent one year together, and in that season, he scored 22 or 24 goals. For his age, he’s outstanding. He works hard on and off the ball, understands the game, and knows how to score. England is lucky to have a talent like him.”
Chelsea fans will get a close-up look at Delap’s skills when the Blues face Ipswich Town at Portman Road for their final match of 2024. Chelsea will be hoping Delap has an off day against his potential future club.
Is Liam Delap a Good Fit for Chelsea?
When you examine Delap’s profile, it’s clear he’s a classic centre-forward with immense potential. At just 21, he has already showcased his ability to perform in the Premier League, even while playing for an Ipswich side battling relegation.
If Delap joins Chelsea, he would need to compete with Jackson for the starting striker position. This competition could elevate the performances of both players, making him an exciting prospect for the Blues.
The Manchester City Connection
Interestingly, Manchester City holds a buy-back clause for Delap but appears uninterested in activating it. This leaves Chelsea with an open path to pursue the English forward. If they seal the deal, Delap’s combination of youth, skill, and Premier League experience could make him a valuable addition to the squad.
