Arsenal head into the summer transfer window determined to sign a prolific goalscorer. The Gunners are keen to make changes to their squad to ensure a consistent challenge for the Premier League crown next season.
Currently, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are working on bringing a big-name striker to North London amid rumoured transfer talks with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.
A new striker this summer is expected to cost Arsenal at least £60m [$80m]. However, they have already opted against the opportunity to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
With the Tractor Boys now relegated, the English forward is available for a £30m [$40m] release clause.
Despite the option, the Gunners rejected the chance and Delap is reportedly close to joining Chelsea. His skillset has impressed in recent months, but Arteta is looking for a forward who can lead the line, and the 21-year-old is probably too raw for that role.
However, former footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa was furious by Arsenal’s snubbing of Delap. He feels the 22-year-old could be the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle at Emirates Stadium. Akinfenwa believes Delap has a touch of a young Diego Costa in him and he could be Harry Kane’s successor for the England national team.
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“I don’t understand how Arsenal didn’t snap him up… £30m is chump change in today’s market. You’ve got somebody who is being talked about as Harry Kane’s replacement for England, a proper No.9, I don’t understand how Arsenal didn’t buy him,” Akinfenwa told talkSPORT on The Sports Bar podcast.
“As soon as Ipswich got relegated, they should have been in there. I think it’s a no-brainer. He’s going to do well.
“He’s got that old-school element where you know you’re in for a game up against Delap. He’s got that Diego Costa vibe about him.”
Liam Delap’s 2024/25 stats
Delap was a leading light in a struggling EPL return for Ipswich with 12 goals and two assists in 37 top-flight appearances.
‼️ Liam Delap undergoing his Chelsea medical today.
~ @JacobsBen pic.twitter.com/GoihwfdT9F
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) June 1, 2025
As per several reports, he is heading to Stamford Bridge, where he will fight for a place in the starting XI alongside another new striker with fans unconvinced over Nicolas Jackson.
If a deal for Delap is completed by Chelsea, it could be low-risk risk high-reward for the Blues as Arsenal fans wait to see who Arteta brings in.
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