Arsenal Linked with Ipswich Striker: £40 Million Move Could Be on the Cards | OneFootball

Arsenal Eyeing Liam Delap: Summer Transfer Talk Heats Up

Arsenal are reportedly making strides towards signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window. The Gunners have been linked with several forwards, and Delap’s name has now emerged as a potential target. Following his strong performances in the Premier League, Delap’s next move could be crucial for both his career and Arsenal’s pursuit of a top striker.

Delap’s Impressive Impact at Ipswich

Delap, 22, joined Ipswich from Manchester City in the summer of 2024. Since making the move, the English forward has impressed with 10 goals and two assists in 28 Premier League appearances, showcasing his potential in a competitive league. As reported by TEAMtalk, “Ipswich will demand £40 million for the 22-year-old English striker.” His strong performances have caught the attention of top clubs, including Arsenal, who have reportedly held talks with Delap’s camp about a possible move.

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, speaking on BBC Sport, praised Delap for his old-school number nine style, comparing him to the likes of Harry Kane. Walcott noted, “He’s an old-school number nine, a bit similar to Harry Kane.” This traditional approach to the centre-forward role could be exactly what Arsenal need, given the club’s current lack of a clinical, out-and-out striker.

Photo IMAGO

Arsenal’s Striker Search and Delap’s Place in the Plans

Arsenal have been consistently linked with several attacking options this season, with their search for a top striker becoming a major priority for the summer transfer window. While TEAMtalk reports that Mikel Arteta’s dream target is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Delap could emerge as a more affordable alternative. With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz currently in the squad, both players have shown flashes of brilliance, but neither has fully lived up to the expectations as Arsenal’s main striker.

Delap’s direct approach, paired with his ability to score goals, makes him an intriguing option. The young forward’s potential to adapt to Arsenal’s fluid attacking style could allow him to compete with Jesus for the starting spot. According to TEAMtalk, Delap is “open to joining any Premier League club this summer,” making him an even more attractive proposition for Arteta’s side.

Competition for Delap: Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham in the Mix

However, Arsenal are not the only club interested in Delap. As TEAMtalk reports, “Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are interested in signing Delap from Ipswich in the summer transfer window.” With multiple top Premier League clubs vying for his signature, Arsenal will have to act quickly if they are to secure the 22-year-old’s services.

Delap’s ability to play as a central striker or in a more flexible attacking role has caught the eye of many clubs. His price tag of £40 million is steep for a player who has not yet proven himself at the very top level, but his potential growth makes him an exciting prospect for any club looking to strengthen their attack. Arsenal will have to weigh up whether the young forward represents a worthwhile investment or if they should focus their attention elsewhere.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal, Liam Delap could be a smart addition to the squad, especially as the club looks to secure a reliable striker for the future. Delap’s performances at Ipswich have shown that he has the tools to succeed in the Premier League, and his traditional number nine style could provide the clinical edge Arsenal have been missing at times this season.

While Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have shown promise, neither has fully convinced as the club’s primary forward. Delap, with his powerful presence and ability to find the back of the net, could offer Arteta a more straightforward solution to this problem. Moreover, his age means there is plenty of room for development, and the opportunity to play under Arteta could accelerate his growth.

The challenge for Arsenal, however, is the competition from other top clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool. If Delap is serious about playing for a team with Champions League aspirations, Arsenal will need to ensure that they can offer him the platform to showcase his talents. Delap’s reported openness to joining any Premier League club could work in Arsenal’s favour, but they will need to act decisively and structure a deal that is attractive to Ipswich.

Ultimately, if Arsenal can secure Delap’s signature, it could prove to be an astute signing—one that adds depth and quality to their attack while also providing a long-term solution at centre-forward.