Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea hold talks with ex-Man City ace in "big opportunity"
da casino： Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea have held talks with a former Man City ace in what is seen as a “big opportunity” for Enzo Maresca this summer, and the west Londoners hold a “concrete” interest in signing the player.
Chelsea summer transfer plans hinder on Champions League finish
da bwin： As reliably reported, Chelsea’s potential finish in the top five will play a key role when it comes to BlueCo’s summer recruitment drive.
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Chelsea are looking to sign a centre-back, winger and striker as their main priorities, but depending on Champions League qualification and player sales, they could also go for a left-back, second centre-back, versatile attacking player and goalkeeper (Simon Phillips).
Race for Champions League qualification
Points
Games remaining
3. Man City
68
1
4. Newcastle
66
1
5. Chelsea
66
1
6. Aston Villa
66
1
7. Nottingham Forest
65
1
A place in Europe’s most prestigious competition will also have a far greater pull in the market when it comes to attracting their most desired targets, so their looming final Premier League clash of the season against Nottingham Forest is quite simply imperative.
A win at the City Ground would guarantee Chelsea a place in the Champions League draw next campaign, but anything less than that could spell disaster for both Maresca and Chelsea’s summer plans.
Given their participation in the Club World Cup next month, Chelsea reportedly want to take full advantage of the mini-transfer window, which opens from June 1 to June 10.
Therefore, it is little surprise we’re hearing rumours of talks being opened with top targets, and one of them is Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.
The Englishman has scored 12 league goals for an otherwise dismal Ipswich Town side who will be playing in the Championship next season, with Delap standing out as a shining light for Kieran McKenna.
His contract also includes a £30 million release clause after Ipswich’s relegation, and previous reports suggest Chelsea have met with Delap’s representatives for talks this month, as they plan a formal move for the ex-City striker.
Fabrizio Romano shares what he's heard about Liam Delap to Chelsea
Speaking to CaughtOffside, the ever-reliable Romano has echoed these claims, stating that Chelsea and Delap have indeed held talks.
However, Man United have done the same thing, with both sides sensing a “big opportunity” to prise the 22-year-old away from Portman Road at a very astute price.
“A big opportunity on the market for a young striker like him,” said Romano.
“There is genuine interest from two very important clubs, Chelsea and Manchester United. Both clubs have several targets on their shortlist. Not only them, but for sure, the interest is concrete, the interest is genuine.
“Delap spoke to Chelsea, Delap spoke to Man United, now it is time for him to explore all the options possible.”
The homegrown centre-forward, barring his impressive goal record and performances in a team lacking overall quality, has been revered by his teammates this season.
“He’s phenomenal,” said Ipswich midfielder Jens Cajuste. “He’s a beast, totally and for a young player like him, it is very hard to say what he can be. I don’t think there’s a limit, really. It’s all upto him really, how far he wants to go, but he definitely has all the qualities.”
