Arsenal have been advised to make a bold £40m move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, a player also on Chelsea’s radar.
Tim Sherwood believes Delap, who has netted nine goals in his debut Premier League season, could be the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s attack.
At just 21, Delap has emerged as Ipswich’s standout performer, keeping their survival hopes alive despite sitting in the relegation zone.
His form has caught the attention of multiple clubs, including his former side Manchester City, who retain a buy-back option.
Delap left City last summer after making only six appearances, but his rapid development at Ipswich may have the Premier League champions reconsidering their decision.
Meanwhile, Arsenal remain in the hunt for attacking reinforcements, especially after losing Gabriel Jesus to a season-ending injury.
After a failed bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Sherwood insists Delap would be a smarter investment for Arsenal, even ahead of Benjamin Sesko.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he argued that Delap’s strength, work rate, and Premier League experience make him a “no-brainer” signing.
Sherwood highlighted that Ipswich, currently three points from safety, would be doomed without Delap.
He believes £40m would secure the deal now and that the young striker would flourish under Arteta.
Even if Ipswich were relegated, Delap’s value would hold, making the investment worthwhile.
Despite growing speculation, Arteta remained tight-lipped on deadline day, insisting his focus was solely on Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures.
Meanwhile, Delap continued to impress, scoring in Ipswich’s latest match, though his side fell to a crucial defeat against Southampton.
With Chelsea and Manchester City monitoring the situation, will Arsenal act fast to secure one of the Premier League’s rising stars?