Chelsea reportedly think they can beat Manchester United to the signing of Liam Delap this summer as Rúben Amorim is eyeing a different “marquee” signing.
Manchester United’s lack of a consistent goal scorer has been a lingering problem in recent seasons, and it remains a key concern heading into the summer.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have been the only players to deliver regularly, with Rashford scoring 30 goals in the 2022/23 campaign.
But with the England forward expected to leave following his loan spell at Aston Villa, and Fernandes now operating in a deeper role under Rúben Amorim, doubts persist over the club’s attacking strength.
Rasmus Højlund has shown encouraging signs, yet still seems too inexperienced to lead the line week in, week out. Joshua Zirkzee, meanwhile, looks more effective playing behind a recognised striker rather than as the main frontman.
With reinforcements clearly needed, United have already begun exploring the market — and reports suggest that Liam Delap is their top priority for the upcoming transfer window.
Chelsea’s stance on beating United to Delap
However, United are not the only club who are eyeing a move for Delap, who has a £30 million release clause should Ipswich Town be relegated this summer, with Chelsea showing serious interest in the player.
According to GiveMeSport, the London-based club now believe they have a small window to secure Delap if they make an early move for him.
Chelsea have become known to secure deals very early, having already agreed to sign Geovany Quenda this summer, and it is stated that they are quietly positioning themselves to move for Delap.
Their confidence in beating United to the 22-year-old’s signing is that United are currently unsure of how much they will have to spend this summer, meaning they are unable to commit to pursuing a transfer for anyone amid multiple players on their shortlist.
Amorim still eyeing Osimhen transfer
Chelsea feeling they have a window to beat United to Delap also stems from Amorim’s continued interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who the GMS report state is still being eyed by the club as a “marquee” signing.
Osimhen would cost around £15 million more than Delap with Napoli reportedly open to selling for around £55 million despite his £63 million release clause, and his significantly higher wage demands make his transfer a much more expensive deal.
Therefore, United are said to be waiting to see if they can secure Champions League football through winning the Europa League before deciding if they have the funds to commit to Osimhen over Delap.
It also must be noted that United are considering signing Wolves’ Matheus Cunha this summer, but with the Brazilian expected to cost around £62.5 million, they may not have the funds to sign both Cunha and Osimhen.
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