Tottenham leading race to sign ‘special’ £33m attacker linked with Chelsea this month

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Tottenham are reportedly frontrunners in the race to sign a Premier League attacker who’s been recently linked with Chelsea.

There’s so much attacking talent in the ranks when you look at the Blues squad, which is reflected in the fact they’re the second highest scorers in the Premier League this season with 17 goals in eight games.

However, Chelsea are still mentioned in transfer rumours as potential suitors for certain forwards. For example, Enzo Maresca’s side have been tipped as a possible admirer of Ipswich Town centre-forward Liam Delap.

Journalist Simon Phillips claimed via Substack earlier this month that Chelsea are monitoring Ipswich’s Delap very closely this season. Apparently, the 21-year-old Englishman has been added to their striker shortlist.

• READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano gives update on Chelsea’s striker transfer plans for January

Tottenham frontrunners for Liam Delap

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham are considering a move in the January transfer window to sign Ipswich star Delap.

It is explained that Ipswich may demand a £33m asking price for the England Under-21 international.

The report adds that Spurs are leading the race for the young forward, but there’s rival interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and his former club Manchester City as well.

It’s quite telling that Delap is already receiving so much transfer interest after such little experience at the top level. The striker’s now linked with some of the Premier League’s giant clubs despite only joining Ipswich a few months ago in the summer window.

It sounds like Chelsea may need to ramp up their interest if they’re serious about signing the Ipswich star, who’s scored four goals in eight Premier League games this season.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola claimed that Delap had “special qualities” back in 2022 via News & Star. Now, the youngster is getting his top-flight opportunity in Ipswich colours and starting to fulfil his potential.

Do Chelsea need him?

Delap definitely looks like a very exciting young striker. We’re wondering if he can be the long-term heir to Harry Kane’s throne with England as well. At £33m, it makes sense that the big clubs are sniffing around him.

However, Ipswich’s frontman is still incredibly raw and it would be a gigantic leap to ask him to lead the line at Chelsea.

In fairness, the Blues are in a pretty strong position right now with both Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku as their main options at striker. We doubt that Delap is good enough yet to start ahead of either.