- 10 hours ago
Isak SNUBBED! Arsenal urged to sign priority Chelsea target
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 24 Feb 2025 09:49 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal have been urged to end their summer pursuit of Alexander Isak and sign Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap instead.
Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to purchase a new centre forward during the 2025 summer transfer window and Isak has emerged as one of their primary targets, along with RB Leipzig youngster Benjamin Sesko.
However, former England international Gary Lineker believes the Gunners should aim to sign Delap amid their search for a new striker.
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The 22-year-old has netted 10 goals in 25 Premier League matches so far this season and his form has attracted significant interest from Chelsea.
But, Lineker has told Arsenal to hijack the Blues’ proposed move for Delap in order to secure his services this summer.
READ MORE: Chelsea in DREAMLAND - Key target 'open' to transfer as interest confirmed
Arsenal urged to sign Liam Delap
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast after Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham United on Saturday, Lineker urged Arteta to pursue a move for Delap.
“Victor Osimhen is there isn’t he? He without a doubt would score goals for them. The problem they’ve got now is the whole world knows they need a forward,” Lineker admitted.
“So a player who might have cost £60-70m is now going to be worth £100-110m when Arsenal come in. They’re going to have to pay over the odds and perhaps that was their issue last summer and in January. Maybe they refused to pay over the top for someone.
“They need a top-class centre forward, they did before a ball was kicked this season and my opinion hasn’t changed.”
STATS
Liam Delap
F (C), AM (R)
Ipswich Town
Liam Delap
F (C), AM (R)
Ipswich Town
Lineker added: “If I were them, I’d go for Delap at Ipswich. I know he’s young [and] not entirely proven but he’s scored quite a lot of goals in the Premier League this season for a team that’s obviously struggled, having been promoted last season - Ipswich. I like his movement.”
Delap has over four years remaining on his contract at Ipswich, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €33 million.
