Liam Delap is reportedly set to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of his £30million move to Chelsea.
Delap was one of the few shining lights in Ipswich’s ill-fated return to the top flight in the 2024-25 season, netting 12 Premier League goals in 37 appearances for the relegated side.
Several Premier League clubs had been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, but Mail Sport revealed earlier this week that Enzo Maresca’s side have won out after triggering his release clause.
Maresca is believed to have spoken with Delap as the Europa Conference League winners pitched their project after he was given permission by his club to speak with suitors.
According to a report from The Athletic, a medical has been scheduled for Monday as Delap moves closer to completing his second permanent move in the last 12 months.
Last summer Delap arrived at Portman Road in a deal worth £20m from Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side are now set to bank 30 per cent of Delap’s fee this summer as a result of a sell-on clause in the move.
After joining City’s youth academy in 2019 Delap would go on to make six first team appearances for the club before successive Championship loan spells with Preston, Stoke and Hull.
The signing of Delap serves as a statement of intent from Chelsea as they look to build on a successful maiden campaign with Maresca at the helm.
According to recent reports Delap may not be the only high-profile forward to make his way to west London this summer.
The Blues have maintained a longstanding interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
Despite the imminent arrival of Delap reports from Germany claim Chelsea are still pushing to sign Ekitike, although they face competition from several clubs, including Liverpool, who have held talks over his signing.
The Frenchman joined PSG as a 20-year-old after impressing at Reims, although he struggled for gametime at the Parc des Princes.
However, since moving to Germany, Ekitike has shown just why he is so highly rated – and he has scored 22 goals and added 12 assists in 48 games this season.
Chelsea are believed to be ahead of their domestic rivals in the battle for Ekitke, who is valued at €100million (£84m) by Frankfurt.
This is because Liverpool are focused on completing the additions of Bayer Leverkusen pair Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz.
Meanwhile, despite Maresca favouring a system that has just one striker, Ekitike may not be the only addition on top of Delap.
The Blues are also said to be keen on Strasbourg forward Emanuel Emegha, while Marc Guiu could be allowed to leave the club on loan this summer.
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