Maresca drops MAJOR transfer hint as Chelsea boss issues 'perfect striker' message

Cameron Smith

11 Apr 2025 14:03 BST
4 min read

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, although he has admitted that Nicolas Jackson is the “perfect number nine” for his system.

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Delap, 22, has scored 12 goals in 30 Premier League appearances so far this season, including the opener during Ipswich’s 2-0 win over Chelsea in December, and his form has attracted significant transfer interest from multiple elite clubs.

Current ETV

Liam Delap

F (C)

Ipswich Town

Liam Delap

F (C)

Ipswich Town

ETV Range

€24.8M - €41.3M

Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United have all been linked with a move for the England U21 international in recent weeks, although Chelsea are widely considered to be the frontrunners in the race to sign him.

Maresca worked with Delap during their time together in Man City’s academy set-up and Chelsea are reportedly looking to finalise an agreement with Ipswich before the 2025 summer transfer window opens.

Ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Ipswich on Sunday, Maresca was keen to praise Delap when asked about his former pupil.

“In terms of numbers, he's doing fantastic,” Maresca told reporters. “I think he's scored 12 [Premier League] goals already. It's not just in terms of his numbers. The way he plays and fights and is always 'there'.

“But he's an Ipswich player. He's an enemy on Sunday because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future.”

Maresca added: “To compare Liam [Delap] with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, I think it's a bit early. But for sure, in terms of style he's that kind of player.”

Enzo Maresca on Nicolas Jackson

Despite Maresca’s admiration for Delap, the Chelsea boss confirmed that he is extremely happy with Jackson as his starting striker at Stamford Bridge.

“My perfect number nine is exactly Nico Jackson. We already have a number nine. It's not summer now.”

When pressed whether he would like to sign another player in Jackson’s mould, Maresca replied: “If we can have a copy of Nico, it's okay. I have said many times, and you can see as well, with Nico we are a better team.

STATS

Nicolas Jackson

F (C)

Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson

F (C)

Chelsea

25

Games
9

Goals
5

Assists

“Nico is the one we need. Last season, he scored goals without penalties. This season he scored goals until he was injured. Now, hopefully he can score more goals without penalties.

“We are happy with Nico. And about next season, it's not the moment [to talk about transfers].”

In addition to Delap, Chelsea have also been linked with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Jonathan David, although Maresca appears to be happy with Jackson as his first choice centre forward.