Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has expressed concern over Arsenal’s decision not to pursue the signing of Liam Delap, who recently joined Chelsea.
Delap caught the eye during his breakthrough Premier League season with Ipswich Town, where he netted 12 goals and drew interest from several top-flight clubs. Ultimately, the young striker secured a move to Chelsea in a deal worth £30 million.
Speaking to The Athletic, Walcott highlighted Delap’s qualities and shared his unease as an Arsenal supporter.
“Strikers are selfish, they just want to score goals,” Walcott said. “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 are not connecting like they once did.
“That is why Delap going to Chelsea worries me as an Arsenal fan. I know they’ve been searching for a true No. 9, that Didier Drogba type, and there’s been talk of a curse on that number.
“But Delap could break that curse because he’s a really good striker. He’s the next one after Harry Kane for England.”
