{"id":185250,"date":"2025-06-15T02:27:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-15T02:27:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/185250\/"},"modified":"2025-06-15T02:27:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-15T02:27:11","slug":"theo-walcott-disappointed-arsenal-did-not-compete-with-chelsea-to-sign-liam-delap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/185250\/","title":{"rendered":"Theo Walcott disappointed Arsenal did not compete with Chelsea to sign Liam Delap"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Former Arsenal star Theo Walcott has expressed his disappointment after the Gunners failed to compete with Chelsea for the signing of Liam Delap this summer.<\/p>\n

Delap had a solid Premier League season with Ipswich Town, registering 12 goals and two assists from 37 appearances. He was a regular substitute in the final weeks due to a rib injury.<\/p>\n

The England youth international recently joined the Blues after they triggered his \u00a330 million<\/a> release clause. They beat the likes of Manchester United and Everton to his signature.<\/p>\n

Speaking on The Athletic<\/a>, Walcott said that he is worried about Chelsea signing Delap and believes he is a really good striker who can become Harry Kane\u2019s successor for England.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cThat\u2019s why Delap going to Chelsea worries me as an Arsenal fan. I know they have been going for that No 9, that Didier Drogba type, it\u2019s that curse of the No 9. Delap can break that curse because he\u2019s a really good striker. He\u2019s the next one after Harry Kane for England.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walcott added that he is disappointed by the lack of interest shown by Arsenal when Delap was available, he added: \u201c(It) disappoints me as an Arsenal fan if you don\u2019t go after someone like that. You can see it in him as well, you can see his fight. He doesn\u2019t care who he plays against.\u201d<\/p>\n

Arsenal need a more high-profile striker<\/p>\n

Delap has huge potential and proved his credentials in his first full season in the English top flight.<\/p>\n

The 22-year-old netted 12 goals but could have managed a higher tally if he had not suffered a nasty rib injury. He was a regular off the bench during the final two months of the campaign.<\/p>\n

Delap is a fine acquisition for the Blues and could help them qualify for the Champions League once more.<\/p>\n

In our view, missing out on the Manchester City graduate should not concern Arsenal. The club need a more high-profile striker who can help them challenge for the Premier League title.<\/p>\n

RB Leipzig\u2019s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP\u2019s Viktor Gyokeres are the primary transfer targets for Arsenal, and the club appear to be leaning<\/a> towards signing the latter this summer.<\/p>\n

Gyokeres netted a staggering 54 goals alongside 13 assists for Sporting CP last term. He will face a sterner challenge in English football with limited counter-attacks and better defences.<\/p>\n

Despite this, Arsenal believe he would provide an upgrade upfront. He could be signed for a fee of just \u00a351 million<\/a>. His agent has a sales mandate agreed with the Portuguese giants.<\/p>\n

Stats from Transfermarkt.com<\/p>\n

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