CHELSEA have confirmed the signing of Liam Delap after beating Manchester United to the £30million Ipswich star.
Delap, 22, has joined the Blues on a six-year contract after his release clause was met following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.
GettyLiam Delap has joined Chelsea from Ipswich in a £30million deal[/caption]
The striker emerged as Enzo Maresca’s preferred attacking target after netting 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys.
And their time together at Manchester City also played a pivotal role in Delap’s decision to snub fellow suitors United.
The forward is now set to make an immediate debut for his new side at the Club World Cup.
In a statement on the club’s website, he said: “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.
“It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”
Delap will battle Nicolas Jackson for a spot up front, with the England U21s star hoping to become Chelsea’s starting hitman for the new Premier League season.
The former Stoke, Preston and Hull loanee has also been reunited with several of his City youth team-mates in Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia.
Their relationship through the centre of the park could play a pivotal role in any future Chelsea success.
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And Delap will be eager to help the Blues seal some silverware after Maresca’s men won last week’s Conference League final against Real Betis.
The two-time Premier League winner with Man City had initially looked destined for a move to their rivals United.
The Red Devils are keen on attacking reinforcements, having already shelled out £62.5m on Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.
But the prospect of linking up with some familiar faces, plus the pull of Champions League football, swung the decision in Chelsea’s favour.
The Blues are expected to continue their major squad rebuild with more incomings and outgoings this summer.
They have already welcomed Kendry Paez, Estevao Willian and Dario Essugo to Stamford Bridge.
While a new winger and centre-back are also highly desired by Maresca.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are among those on his wishlist.
And Chelsea also remain in talks with Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a permanent move from Manchester United.
In terms of outgoings, the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and even Noni Madueke could be heading out.
Misfits including Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell will also be moved on.
And with £1.2billion already spent under Todd Boehly, Chelsea fans will be hoping to finally challenge for the title next season.
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