Theo Walcott has expressed his concern over Arsenal’s resolution to not pursue Liam Delap, who sealed a £30 million transfer to Chelsea earlier this summer time. The younger striker had a breakout season with Ipswich City, scoring 12 targets regardless of the membership’s relegation from the Premier League. Chelsea moved swiftly to activate Delap’s relegation clause, heading off curiosity from Manchester United within the course of. Arsenal, although actively in search of a striker, targeted their consideration on different targets like Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.
Walcott, talking in an interview with The Athletic, voiced disappointment that Arsenal weren’t extra aggressive within the chase. “Delap can break that No. 9 curse at Chelsea,” he stated. “He’s bought battle, he’s fearless — the following one after Harry Kane.”
The previous Arsenal winger highlighted how fashionable wingers have change into extra self-focused, leaving a niche for conventional centre-forwards like Delap to thrive. He believes the 22-year-old suits the profile Arsenal badly want up entrance. In accordance with Walcott, Arsenal missed out on a striker who not solely scores targets however brings depth and management to the pitch — traits the Gunners have lacked in current title pushes.
Delap’s performances for Ipswich caught the attention throughout the league. Regardless of their relegation, his output and maturity earned him admirers, and Chelsea wasted no time making their transfer after Metropolis allowed his exit. In the meantime, Arsenal stay out there. Talks are ongoing with Sporting CP over Gyokeres, and negotiations proceed with RB Leipzig over Sesko. However Walcott’s feedback add strain on the membership to make sure they don’t miss one other golden alternative.
Chelsea, alternatively, are hoping Delap can deliver an finish to their long-standing striker woes. With the membership nonetheless unsettled on Nicolas Jackson’s future and contemporary choices being scouted, Delap would possibly quickly get his probability to steer the road at Stamford Bridge. Because the switch window heats up, Arsenal followers shall be watching carefully — particularly if Delap hits the bottom working in west London.
