Liam Delap, the promising forward currently showcasing his talents at Ipswich Town, has captured the attention of several Premier League giants, notably Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Aston Villa. As reported by Caught Offside, the 21-year-old striker is generating significant interest, and should Ipswich consider a sale, they are likely to command a transfer fee in the region of £40 million to £50 million.
Delap’s ascent has been remarkable following his move from Manchester City to Ipswich Town in the summer transfer window. Although he was viewed as a talented prospect during his time at City, consistency in first-team football eluded him, necessitating three loan spells at various clubs. His recent performances at Ipswich, however, have heralded a revival, with Delap netting six goals and providing one assist in just 12 appearances during this Premier League season, marking what could be considered a breakout campaign.
His impressive form has not gone unnoticed by top clubs, particularly Arsenal, who are keen to enhance their attacking options. The Gunners have struggled with inconsistency in front of goal this season, as Gabriel Jesus experiences a dip in performance and Kai Havertz has also faced fluctuations in form. Given his capabilities and the potential he has demonstrated, Delap appears to be a compelling option for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Aston Villa's interest in Delap is intriguing, especially in light of the strong performances from Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran this season. However, there are indications of a future uncertainty regarding Duran’s long-term role, prompting the Villans to consider strengthening their attacking depth by bringing in Delap.
Furthermore, Newcastle United's chase for Delap is influenced by speculation surrounding Alexander Isak’s future at St. James' Park, particularly with Arsenal reportedly eyeing the striker. In this context, acquiring Delap could provide Newcastle with invaluable depth to their attacking options.
Nevertheless, any potential transfer involving Delap will require careful navigation of a buyback clause included in the agreement between Manchester City and Ipswich Town at the time of his departure. This clause adds a layer of complexity to the scenario, especially as Ipswich looks to secure a substantial fee that reflects Delap's impressive progress this season.
As the January transfer window approaches, the developments surrounding Delap are set to capture the footballing world’s attention, with anticipation building regarding the next chapter in his burgeoning career. With his trajectory on an upward curve, the forthcoming weeks are likely to play a pivotal role in determining where this young star will next ply his trade.