If anyone had to guess which one of the Premier League's summer signings would become a standout player this season, few would have guessed Ipswich's Liam Delap. However, with his prowess in front of goal now firmly rooted in the minds of supporters, some of the division's top clubs have become interested in his services.
Delap made the move to Ipswich from Hull City for a reported fee of around £20 million. Many felt this was too steep of a price for a player who had only managed eight goals in 31 appearances for the Tigers the season player.
Yet, having now amassed the same tally in the top flight but in 12 fewer games, heads have really begun to turn regarding Delap's abilities in front of goal. Astounding performances against the likes of Chelsea and Aston Villa have caught the eye of a few of the top six, with the young Englishman being noted for his strength, dribbling and clinical finishing.
With the market now open to bet on who will secure Delap's signature, two main contenders have emerged as favourites to pry the 21-year-old away from Portman Road before the January window closes.
Current favourites
Chelsea – 11/4
Having put them to the sword back in December with a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win, it is in fact Chelsea who are in the driving seat to make Delap their new number 9. A well-earned penalty as well as a neat layoff for Omari Hutchinson's second-half strike showed Enzo Maresca's Blues exactly what they may be missing by sticking with current first-choice forward Nicolas Jackson.
Despite managing nine goals in the league so far, the Senegalese hitman is yet to totally win over Chelsea supporters, often frustrating them with his inability to convert easy chances. While there is no doubt that Jackson has great potential at only 23 years old, supporters may be beginning to wonder how long it will take for the striker to truly flourish in the English top flight.
Delap is already hitting similar numbers in his first season in the Premier League, all while playing for a much weaker side in Ipswich. With an xGOT of 7.68 compared to his total xG of just 6.19, the difference between the Englishman's two expected shooting stats (SGA) is an indicator of just how clinical he has been this season, and thus could be the quick fix that Chelsea so desire.
With Chelsea looking to convince Delap to put pen to paper on a deal at Stamford Bridge, bookies have priced them as 11/4 favourites to sign him, which could offer good value for punters if the allure of a top six club is enough to sway the youngster to make the jump.
Arsenal – 8/1
Seen as clear outsiders to sign Delap, bookies have priced Arsenal at 8/1 to take the striker to the Emirates. With Gabriel Jesus injured until the end of the season, and Kai Havertz still unable to win over supporters in spite of seven league goals this campaign, there is growing recognition that the Gunners may need to move for a new striker this January.
Part of the criticism Arsenal have faced in recent weeks has arisen from their inability to create chances from open play, relying heavily on corners to find the net, as proven by their first goal in the club's 2-1 win over North London rivals Tottenham.
A bullish forward who can create chances out of nothing, Delap may fit the bill of exactly the player profile for which Arsenal are searching. If his second goal against Aston Villa is anything to go by, in which he ran from the halfway line, beat Diego Carlos with a silky step-over and then converted from close range, then the Englishman also has the creativity needed to flourish at a top-six club.
At 8/1, now would not be the time to discount the Gunners from being able to convince Delap to don the red and white strip of one of London's biggest clubs.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
