Having secured Champions League qualification, Chelsea are showing significant intent in the transfer market. Manager Enzo Maresca is influential after his successful first season, guiding the Blues` transfer strategy.
Delap Signing Confirmed, More Transfers Expected
Chelsea confirmed the signing of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30 million on Wednesday.
Delap, who scored 12 league goals last season for relegated Ipswich, will wear the number nine shirt and is eligible for the upcoming Club World Cup.
A unique mini-transfer window, open until June 10, allows Chelsea to register players in time for the FIFA competition, giving Maresca a few more days to strengthen the squad.
BlueCo aims to bring in one or two more new players before the Club World Cup begins, and they are currently working on several potential deals.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea recently held further discussions regarding a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue as Hato is reportedly eager to join Maresca`s team.
Meanwhile, Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike remains linked with Chelsea and could become their second striker signing after Delap.
In addition to attacking and defensive targets, Chelsea are still pursuing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, whose contract is set to expire in 12 months.
Milan value the 29-year-old France international, who captained the team last season, at around £25 million despite his contract situation. While Chelsea seem hesitant about the price, Maignan himself is reportedly very keen on the move.
Maignan Expresses Desire for Chelsea Move
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol confirms that Maignan has informed AC Milan of his wish to join Chelsea.
Securing Maignan`s agreement is straightforward; the challenge lies in the clubs agreeing on a fee. Chelsea`s current valuation is reportedly around £10 million (The Mail), indicating that significant negotiations are still needed for the transfer to happen.
This aligns with a report from Fabrizio Romano, who stated that manager Enzo Maresca has personally endorsed the potential transfer to Stamford Bridge.
With both the manager and the player eager for the deal, its completion now depends on successful negotiations between the clubs.
Maignan, who has been called a “world-class” goalkeeper, possesses valuable top-level experience, which is currently somewhat lacking in the Chelsea squad. He is widely considered one of Serie A`s best keepers.
