Arsenal set to RUIN Chelsea's summer transfer plans

Cameron Smith

24 Feb 2025 13:00 GMT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Arsenal’s pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko could inadvertently deny Chelsea the chance to sign Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap this summer.

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Sesko, 21, is one of Mikel Arteta’s primary transfer targets for the upcoming summer window and he has been widely tipped to secure a big-money move to the Premier League in 2025.

FootballTransfers understands that Sesko is Arsenal’s preferred centre forward signing, with Newcastle United reportedly unwilling to part ways with Alexander Isak unless an offer in excess of €150 million is submitted.

However, if Arsenal are able to complete a deal for Sesko, it could have a dramatic impact on Chelsea’s pursuit of the aforementioned Delap.

Enzo Maresca’s side are determined to sign a new striker this summer, amid the recent woes of both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, and Delap has been identified as their priority target.

Victor Osimhen was on the verge of joining the Stamford Bridge outfit in 2024, but Chelsea’s interest in the Nigeria superstar has seemingly died down and they have instead set their sights on finalising a transfer for Delap.

The Blues even sent scouts to watch the England U21 international in action for Ipswich against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, according to TBR Football.

© IMAGO - Chelsea want to sign Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap

Liam Delap to RB Leipzig?

Chelsea weren’t the only club with scouts in attendance to watch Delap face Spurs, however, with representatives from Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig also at Portman Road.

All three Bundesliga clubs are interested in completing a summer deal for the 22-year-old, although Leipzig are leading the charge, as per TBR Football.

Marco Rose’s men are preparing for the likely departure of Sesko and they have reportedly identified Delap as an ideal candidate to replace the Slovenia forward.

As a result, if Arsenal are able to sign Sesko, they could inadvertently stop Chelsea from landing Delap this summer.