Chelsea now hopeful of landing ‘monster’ target, he’ll make a decision this week

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Chelsea’s chances of signing one of their key targets this summer may have been boosted after the club managed to qualify for the Champions League on Sunday.

Enzo Maresca‘s men beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 to guarantee a place in Europe’s elite competition next season.

Chelsea are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of campaigns in the Champions League and Premier League.

Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike are targets for Chelsea, with sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley prioritising the arrival of a new striker.

• READ MORE: What Chelsea are now prepared to do to boost their chances of winning Liam Delap race

Chelsea hopeful of signing Liam Delap after bagging Champions League spot

Earlier this month, it was reported that Delap actually preferred to join Manchester United over Chelsea.

However, since then, United have lost the Europa League final and will not be playing in Europe at all next term, while Chelsea will be competing against the continent’s elite in contrast.

According to talkSPORT, as a result of qualifying for the Champions League, the Blues are now hopeful of signing Delap from Ipswich Town.

The same outlet has also claimed that the 22-year-old will make a decision on his future this week, so Chelsea will not have to wait long for an answer.

Delap has a £30m release clause in his contract, which can be triggered following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.

It means Chelsea could be about to get a bargain, with Delap scoring 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances this season — a respectable return for a young forward playing in a bottom-three team.

Liam Delap described as a ‘monster’

Ipswich will miss Delap, who has been praised for bringing so much energy to the team.

“You look at him and he’s a monster,” Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer was quoted as saying by the East Anglian Daily Times back in February. “He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy — and also the talent.”

Their loss will be Chelsea’s gain, though, if the Blues manage to beat United to the England U21 international’s signature. Not having too many recognised centre-forwards in their current squad, Delap could be the perfect addition for Chelsea this summer.