Chelsea CONFIRM signing of Liam Delap after beating Man Utd to £30m transfer for Ipswich star

Chelsea has officially confirmed the signing of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich in a £30 million deal, securing the player ahead of Manchester United.

The 22-year-old forward has signed a six-year contract with the Blues. Chelsea activated his release clause, which became available after Ipswich`s relegation to the Championship.

The center-forward became Enzo Maresca`s primary attacking recruitment target after scoring 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich last season.

His previous time working with Maresca at Manchester City was also a crucial factor in Delap choosing Chelsea over other interested clubs like Manchester United.

The forward is expected to make his first appearance for Chelsea during the Club World Cup.

Quoted on the club`s official website, Delap stated: “I recognize the significance of this club and see its positive direction with the current players and head coach. This will be an excellent environment for my development, and I hope to achieve great things and contribute to winning more trophies for the club.”

Delap will compete with Nicolas Jackson for a starting position in attack, aiming to become Chelsea`s primary striker for the upcoming Premier League season.

The player, who previously had loan spells at Stoke, Preston, and Hull, will also be reunited with former Manchester City youth teammates Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia.

The connection between these former City youngsters could potentially be beneficial for Chelsea`s performance.

Delap is keen to help Chelsea secure more trophies, building on the success of Maresca`s side who recently won the Conference League final against Real Betis.

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The former City academy player initially seemed likely to join their rivals, Manchester United.

Manchester United is looking to strengthen their attack and has already spent £62.5 million on Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

However, the opportunity to play alongside familiar faces and the appeal of Champions League football ultimately swayed his decision towards Chelsea.

Delap expressed gratitude to Ipswich for providing him with regular top-flight experience and stated his confidence that they would soon return to the Premier League.

Chelsea is anticipated to continue significantly reshaping their squad this summer with further arrivals and departures.

They have already signed Kendry Paez, Estevao Willian, and Dario Essugo.

Maresca is also looking to sign a new winger and a center-back.

Potential targets include Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

Delap`s arrival might impact players like Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, and Noni Madueke, potentially limiting their playing time.

Players considered surplus to requirements, such as Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, are also expected to leave.

Following an expenditure of £1.2 billion under Todd Boehly, Chelsea supporters will be hoping the team can finally compete for the Premier League title next season.