The 22-year-old striker, who dazzled in the Premier League this season, is set to join the Blues after a standout campaign with the relegated Tractor Boys.

Delap notched an impressive 12 goals and two assists in 37 appearances for Ipswich Town, showcasing not just his scoring prowess but also a dynamic all-around game that turned heads across the league.

His emergence sparked a flurry of interest from top clubs, but Chelsea have emerged victorious, triggering a 30 million pounds release clause in his contract, activated following Ipswich Town's drop to the Championship.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano broke the news, stating, "Liam Delap to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement in place as 30 million pounds release clause will be triggered." He highlighted three key factors in Delap's decision: "Long term deal, Maresca's impact + UCL football key. Delap will join Chelsea." Romano also noted that Manchester City, Delap's former club, will pocket 30 percent of the fee due to a sell-on clause, but they have chosen not to activate a buy-back option.

"Liam Delap will sign his Chelsea contract in the next 24 hours as Ipswich Town have now authorized medical tests," Romano added.

The Athletic's David Ornstein confirmed the move, revealing, "Chelsea have reached a total agreement to sign Delap this summer. The England Under-21 international has a 30 million pounds release clause in his contract at Ipswich that became active following the club's relegation from the Premier League. The 22-year-old's personal terms are not anticipated to be a problem and he is now expected to move to Stamford Bridge."

Delap, a former Manchester City prospect, proved a cost-effective option compared to pricier targets like Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, and Benjamin Sesko, who have been linked with top-scorer honors across Europe in 2025.

His blend of power, pace, and finishing has made him a prime target for Chelsea, who are eager to bolster their attack under head coach Enzo Maresca.

Meanwhile, Manchester United, who had eyed Delap as their top choice to solve their goal-scoring woes, now face a shift in plans.

The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell reported, "Delap was United's first choice as centre-forward, so this leaves their circumstances up in the air. It is the crucial position that had been targeted in advance of the window, given the issues the team have had scoring goals."

Whitwell added that while the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves has eased some pressure, United still prioritize a striker. "Amorim has a strong relationship with Viktor Gyokeres, but the Sweden international wants Champions League football on his exit from Sporting CP. Napoli's Victor Osimhen has also been discussed, but his wage demands have been seen as too excessive," he explained.

Chelsea's coup is a statement of intent as they prepare for a busy summer, with Champions League football and Maresca's vision proving decisive in luring Delap to Stamford Bridge. Fans of the Blues will be eager to see the young striker light up the Premier League once more, while Manchester United regroup to pursue alternative targets like Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.

Report: Chelsea secure Liam Delap in transfer triumph