Arsenal hero Theo Walcott has admitted to being “worried” by Chelsea’s move to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who he has also tipped to be England’s next great No. 9
Arsenal hero Theo Walcott has shared his concerns about the Gunners missing out on the signing of new Chelsea hotshot Liam Delap. The forward made waves in the Premier League with Ipswich last season, netting 12 goals despite the team’s relegation after their first spell in the top tier since 2001/02.
Delap, 22, had a tempting £30million release clause which Chelsea pounced on to boost their front line for the upcoming Champions League campaign. Manchester United also showed interest, but Delap preferred the Stamford Bridge outfit.
The striker sealed a long-term six-year agreement amid the club’s battle for firepower up front among existing forwards Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu.
Amid persistent rumours connecting Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko to a switch to the Emirates this summer, Walcott frankly admitted that Chelsea’s deal for Delap puts him on edge.
Walcott, who became an analyst on Match Of The Day last summer, articulated his fears during an interview with The Athletic: “When people speculate, clubs look for a No. 9 and the fans get upset or confused saying, ‘Why can’t we find a No 9?’ It’s really hard to find them because everyone wants to be that really predictable player… those who like to come inside.
“Strikers are selfish, they just want to score goals. But now, all of a sudden, the wingers are starting to get more selfish because they want to cut in and do their thing. They’re not connecting like they once did. That’s why Delap going to Chelsea worries me as an Arsenal fan.”
Walcott went on to explain how traditionally, wearing the number nine for Chelsea has been a Herculean task with stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Fernando Torres shouldering the burden, yet he tips Delap to succeed and even take over Harry Kane as England’s frontman star.
“I know they have been going for that No 9, that Didier Drogba type, it’s that curse of the No 9. Delap can break that curse because he’s a really good striker. He’s the next one after Harry Kane for England.”
Having shared the pitch with legendary goal-scorers at Arsenal, Walcott feels disappointed that Arsenal didn’t make a move for someone like Delap, seeing potential and grit in the young striker.
“(It) disappoints me as an Arsenal fan if you don’t go after someone like that,” he added. “You can see it in him as well, you can see his fight. He doesn’t care who he plays against.”
Delap kicked off his career in blue on a high note, coming on as a substitute during their 2-0 triumph over LAFC in the opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup. Delap made an immediate impression, providing the cross that Enzo Fernandez converted to double Chelsea’s advantage in the second half.
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