"It disappoints me": Walcott questions why Arsenal did not sign 22yo star, he has joined Chelsea

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.

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.

The England youth international recently joined the Blues after they triggered his £30 million release clause. They beat the likes of Manchester United and Everton to his signature.

Speaking on The Athletic, Walcott said that he is worried about Chelsea signing Delap and believes he is a really good striker who can become Harry Kane’s successor for England.

He said: “That’s 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’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.”

Walcott added that he is disappointed by the lack of interest shown by Arsenal when Delap was available, he added: “(It) disappoints me as an Arsenal fan if you don’t go after someone like that. You can see it in him as well, you can see his fight. He doesn’t care who he plays against.”

Arsenal need a more high-profile striker

Delap has huge potential and proved his credentials in his first full season in the English top flight.

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.

Delap is a fine acquisition for the Blues and could help them qualify for the Champions League once more.

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.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are the primary transfer targets for Arsenal, and the club appear to be leaning towards signing the latter this summer.

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.

Despite this, Arsenal believe he would provide an upgrade upfront. He could be signed for a fee of just £51 million. His agent has a sales mandate agreed with the Portuguese giants.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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