Manchester United are emerging as clear favourites in the race to sign Liam Delap. According to a report from Fichajes, the Red Devils are preparing to activate the Ipswich Town striker’s £30 million release clause as they seek to overhaul their forward line ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Delap’s stock rises despite Ipswich’s relegation
Liam Delap has enjoyed a quietly impressive breakthrough season with Ipswich Town, registering 14 goal contributions (goals and assists combined) in a struggling side. Despite Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship, the 21-year-old striker has showcased enough quality to attract attention from several top-flight clubs.
Following their confirmed demotion after defeat to Newcastle United, Delap’s release clause has dropped to £30 million — a figure that has sparked a bidding war among Premier League sides seeking young, physical, and mobile forwards.
Newcastle United and Chelsea have both been credited with interest, with Newcastle eyeing him as a long-term successor to Callum Wilson. Chelsea, always keen to stockpile promising young talents, are also seriously considering a move.
But Manchester United are moving fastest.
United eager to wrap up Delap deal early
With growing uncertainty surrounding Rasmus Højlund’s future — following a disappointing debut season at Old Trafford — and the need to add depth and youthful energy to their forward line, United view Delap as a strategic signing for the long term.
United are reportedly prepared to trigger the £30 million clause but may attempt to negotiate a structured payment plan with Ipswich rather than paying the entire fee upfront.
New manager Rúben Amorim is understood to have personally approved the pursuit of Delap as part of his squad rebuild. His plan appears to be building a new, dynamic frontline — with recent reports also suggesting that United are closing in on Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
Adding Delap to the mix would give United an exciting young option who could be moulded into a modern, Premier League-ready striker under Amorim’s guidance.
Arsenal’s stance on Liam Delap
Arsenal have been monitoring Liam Delap’s situation but have not moved beyond initial scouting reports.
While Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar admire Delap’s physical profile and finishing instincts, the Gunners have made Viktor Gyokeres their top striker target for the summer window. Arsenal are ready to invest heavily — close to €80 million — to secure the Sporting CP star, a signal of intent to recruit a ready-made elite striker rather than a developmental project like Delap.
Moreover, Delap’s current level, while promising, does not align with Arsenal’s immediate ambitions to win the Premier League and push deep into the Champions League. At 21, he would be seen more as a long-term investment, whereas Arteta is looking for proven firepower to compete at the very top now.
That said, with Gabriel Jesus’ future uncertain, the Gunners will need depth and if they miss out on their primary targets, revisiting Delap as an alternative later in the window cannot be ruled out — especially given the relatively modest £30 million fee.
For now, though, it is Manchester United who are moving with urgency.
What Delap would bring to Manchester United
Standing at 6ft 1in, Delap blends physical strength with clever movement and a strong work ethic off the ball — traits that have been lacking in United’s current forward options. He excels at pressing from the front, making intelligent runs in behind, and linking play with midfielders — a perfect fit for the high-intensity system Amorim is likely to deploy.
While not yet the finished article, Delap’s ceiling is high, and United seem willing to bet on his potential rather than pursue another overpriced established star.
With competition lurking, the Red Devils are expected to formalise their offer soon to ensure they beat out Newcastle, Chelsea, and any other late entrants for Delap’s signature.
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The summer rebuild at Old Trafford is underway — and Liam Delap could be one of its first key pieces.
