Ipswich Town have now made an approach to sign a new £17m striker, who is also a target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, according to a report.
Ipswich keen on new striker following Delap departure
Ipswich have made a strong start to the summer transfer window, securing deals for the likes of Azor Matusiwa, Cedric Kipre and Ashley Young.
However, Kieran McKenna has a big decision on his hands following Liam Delap’s move to Chelsea, as he can choose to either press on with George Hirst as the main man in attack, or pursue a move for a new striker.
Hirst arguably struggled to make the step-up to the Premier League last season, scoring just three goals, but the centre-forward was a reliable source of goals and assists during the 2023-24 Championship campaign, amassing 13 goal contributions in 26 games.
As such, the 26-year-old could be capable of leading the line for a promotion-chasing side, but the Tractor Boys have now made an approach to sign a new striker, who is attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states Ipswich have now made contact over a deal for Metz forward Idrissa Gueye, who could be available for a fee of around £17m this summer.
However, there may be fierce competition for Gueye’s signature, as Liverpool have made an approach of their own, alongside the likes of West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Borussia Dortmund, showing just how highly the 18-year-old is rated.
With a number of the Serie A’s top clubs and Manchester United also interested in the striker, it could be difficult for the Tractor Boys to get a deal over the line, but there is certainly interest on their behalf, and the race is now underway.
Gueye could be real coup for Ipswich
It would be a real coup if McKenna’s side were able to sign the Metz forward, given how highly he is regarded, having previously been likened to a Liverpool legend, with journalist Alan Nixon revealing the youngster is “rated as highly as Sadio Mane was”.
The Senegalese starlet has already managed to force his way into the Metz first team, picking up five goals and one assist in 17 Ligue 2 outings last season, indicating that he may now be ready to lead the line for a Championship side.
However, given that Gueye is being pursued by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, it seems unlikely that Ipswich will be able to get a deal over the line, meaning it may be worth moving on to a more attainable target.
Widespread claims have suggested that Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford could also be in the Tractor Boys’ sights, and the 31-year-old may well be a solid signing, having picked up a total of 69 goals and 15 assists in 217 Championship appearances.
