‘Chelsea have agreed risk-free Liam Delap deal’ – Stefan Borson
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Ipswich Town star Liam Delap as they look to add to their attacking options this summer.
The 22-year-old has been linked with several top clubs in recent weeks following his performances at Portman Road this season.
Delap joined Ipswich from Manchester City in a £20million deal last summer before going on to register 12 goals and two assists in 40 appearances.
Pep Guardiola’s side had a buy-back clause on the striker, but they have decided not to take up that option.
Chelsea have now triggered Delap’s £30million release clause in his Ipswich contract, with the England Under-21 international closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider it’s a “risk-free deal” for Chelsea due to the size of the fee.
Enzo Maresca’s side have been able to offer Champions League football to Delap after finishing fourth in the Premier League table.
Man City couldn’t make Liam Delap promise
Borson insisted Man City were likely unable to promise Delap regular minutes to return to the Etihad this summer.
He told Football Insider: “City have got something like a 20 per cent sell-on.
“I don’t know how the sell-on works, whether it’s 20 per cent of profit or 20 per cent of gross.
“It feels like it could on this one be 20 per cent of gross, which would be £6million.
“I think the problem is they couldn’t genuinely argue that they would give him a lot of minutes next season, and presumably the player was just like ‘I’ve got no interest in that, thanks’.
“But it’s a bit frustrating for City financially because you know that Chelsea have bought a player with no risk at all.
“If it doesn’t work, they 100 per cent could get their money back from multiple clubs for £30million. We know that.
“The likelihood is they make money on it, but I would say it’s a risk-free deal in many ways.”
Chelsea get Rafael Leao boost as door opens for deal
Football Insider revealed on 29 May Chelsea are set for a boost in their long-term pursuit of Rafael Leao.
Sources say the London giants could have a “window of opportunity” to sign the Portugal international after AC Milan have failed to qualify for any kind of European football for next season.
The 25-year-old winger registered 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances in the latest campaign.
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