Ben Jacobs: £40m attacker is perfect option for Chelsea for tactical and financial reasons | OneFootball

A few things are becoming clear about Chelsea’s intentions this summer.

The Blues want to sign a striker as a priority, with Fabrizio Romano saying they’re willing to spend “important money” on the right player.

Meanwhile, as reported last night, they are so pleased with the progress of Nicolas Jackson that they no longer are primarily interested in an expensive, elite, peak age striker. They’re more willing to go with a younger option to develop.

That changes the field of who they’re looking at quite dramatically – out go Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres, in comes Benjamin Sesko and… Liam Delap.

The Ipswich striker is the subject of Ben Jacobs’ column for GiveMeSport today where he looks at the potential suitors lining up to made a bid once his £40m relegation clause is activated.

“Chelsea are in the market for a powerful number nine, who can not only score but hold up play, allowing several of their creative and versatile attackers to thrive. And head coach Enzo Maresca also knows Delap from his time coaching at Manchester City,” Jacobs wrote.

Isak still on the dream list – but looking unlikely

Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Newcastle against Liverpool (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

What’s also notable is that they have kept Newcastle striker Alexander Isak on their shortlist: “although they won’t move for [Isak] unless they feel Newcastle are genuinely prepared to sell, and all signs currently suggest otherwise.”

As for Delap himself, he doesn’t seem to have a specific desire to go anywhere – he will have his pick of a few good options:

“GIVEMESPORT understands Delap does not yet have a clear preference. He’s instead focused on trying to help Ipswich stay up and will assess suitors at the end of the season.”

From all that, it sounds like we’re really in this race.