Chelsea set to secure Premier League star right after Conference League triumph

Chelsea Nearing First Summer Signing Following Conference League Victory

Chelsea are reportedly close to completing their first signing of the summer, shortly after securing the UEFA Conference League title.

Enzo Maresca’s side delivered a dominant 4-1 win over Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, becoming the first club to capture all three major European trophies. Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, and Moises Caicedo overturned an early deficit caused by Abde Ezzalzouli’s opener.

With the final concluded, the Blues are now shifting focus to preparing for the Club World Cup next month.

Owing to the new tournament, the summer transfer window will operate in two phases—the first spanning June 1 to June 10. Chelsea are reportedly working diligently behind the scenes to complete business early.

According to talkSPORT, the club is on the verge of signing striker Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich Town. The 22-year-old, formerly of Manchester City, scored 12 goals for Ipswich this season and has a £30 million release clause triggered by the club’s drop to the Championship.

With Ipswich’s relegation confirmed last month, Premier League clubs have had ample time to prepare offers. Chelsea now appear poised to beat rivals to Delap’s signature, having secured Champions League qualification through their league finish.

Newcastle were also said to be interested, but Chelsea are now favourites. Manchester United, lacking European football next season, are believed to have dropped out of contention.

Before Ipswich’s final game—a 3-1 home defeat to West Ham—manager Kieran McKenna acknowledged Delap was likely to depart:

> “It looks more likely than not that he’ll move on this summer,” McKenna said. “There’s interest from almost every club in the league. Not many clubs wouldn’t want him.

That process will take its course, and we’ll be proud of the part we’ve played in his development. If he stays, we’d be delighted.”