Chelsea identify PRIORITY Osimhen alternative

Cameron Smith

19 Nov 2024 17:45 GMT
3 min read

Victor Osimhen, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are interested in signing Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap in 2025 as they search for an alternative to Victor Osimhen.

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Delap joined Ipswich on a permanent deal from Manchester City for just shy of €18 million in July and he has enjoyed a sublime start to life at Portman Road.

The 21-year-old has notched six goals and one assist in 11 Premier League appearances so far this campaign and his form has attracted interest from a host of top English clubs.

Man City have been linked with re-signing Delap, following the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, while Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly admirers of the forward.

However, Chelsea appear to have shown the most concrete interest in the England U21 international and they are currently assessing whether to seriously pursue a deal in 2025, according to GiveMeSport.

Enzo Maresca’s side have reportedly sent scouts to watch Delap in almost every game so far this season and they have been thoroughly impressed with his performances for Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich side.

As per GiveMeSport, Chelsea are now contemplating whether Delap has the potential to enjoy a Cole Palmer-esque rise if he moves to Stamford Bridge next year.

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Liam Delap: Chelsea’s Victor Osimhen alternative?

Chelsea’s interest in Delap comes amid significant competition in the race to sign Nigeria international Osimhen.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Galatasaray and the Turkish giants are eager to sign him on a permanent deal next summer.

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

ETV Range

€47.3M - €78.9M

However, it remains to be seen if they are able to trigger the €75m release clause in his Napoli contract, which could give Chelsea a major boost in the race to sign him.

But, Manchester United and Newcastle are also interested in landing Osimhen in 2025, while Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal could pursue a deal for the Nigerian after failing in their attempts this summer.