Arsenal have been one of several sides linked with a potential transfer for Ipswich star Liam Delap in the coming transfer windows.
The Gunners are in the market for a centre-forward, having struggled to find a clinical option in the past windows.
One of those options could be Delap, who has been transfer-linked with Arsenal, following an impressive start to life at Ipswich.
If he is to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium, then Alan Shearer and former Arsenal star Theo Walcott have given a clear verdict on him.
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Theo Walcott and Alan Shearer verdict on Arsenal target Liam Delap
Liam Delap managed to bag six goals in the first half of the season for Ipswich, showing some impressive form for his new side.
That has seen plenty of teams sit up and take notice, along with Arsenal, which could tempt a move.
The youngster is still relatively untested, which brings an element of risk, but there also comes plenty of potential for someone who could be a future England international.
When asked about his start to the season, Theo Walcott said on Amazon Prime Video: “He reminds me of yourself [Shearer] with a little more pace to be honest.
“I’ve been really impressed with him and the reason I say that, he’s come to the Premier League with experience having Pep behind him but he’s really confident, wants to play football but he’s a handful.
“Likes to ask questions of defenders, never stay still. The numbers for someone like Ipswich, it’s gonna be so important for them to stay up. You look at him, he picks up good positions, he doesn’t just sit between the centre-halves, he likes to run behind defenders as well.”
It was a sentiment that Alan Shearer agreed with, adding: “What I like about him is yes he respects players he’s playing against but he’s not bothered about their reputations.
“He’s gone toe-to-toe with some big-named players already this season and he likes a scrap and a fight and a battle and I don’t think there’s any harm in that.
“You’re absolutely right for him to do what he’s done this season, the goals that he’s had, they’ve not scored many goals at all for Ipswich, for him to get six this year.”
It’s plenty of praise for the striker, who Arsenal have looked to keep quiet in their clash with Ipswich Town.
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Liam Delap faces key test against Arsenal
One thing that Arsenal will get on Friday night is a close look at Delap as a potential option for the side in the future.
With the striker likely to get very few chances, his own clinical nature will be tested against the might of the Gunners defence.
The youngster will have a chance to impress the hierarchy at the club, building on his six goals already scored in the Premier League.
While Arsenal will look to keep him out, a good display could urge through a move.
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