CHELSEA will reportedly continue their pursuit of Erling Haaland despite the player having no interest in a move to West London.
The Blues have not been put off by reports that the young strike sensation is opposed to a Stamford Bridge transfer.
Erling Haaland is the most wanted striker in EuropeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Evening Standard report that Chelsea still believe the Norway international, 20, can spearhead their faltering attack.
It comes after Sport Bild claimed Haaland had narrowed down his potential new clubs to a shortlist of six.
It’s said he would be open to joining Manchester United, Man City and Liverpool in the Premier League.
Juventus and Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona would also be options – but Chelsea failed to make the cut.
The Blues won’t be alone in going after Haaland this summer with every major club in Europe having been linked with a swoop.
But they might have to be patient.
Borussia Dortmund’s head of first-team football Sebastian Kehl said yesterday: “We assume that he will stay beyond the summer and become an even better player with us.”
ON THE CHEAP
If Haaland does remain at Dortmund for next season, he seems certain to move in 2022.
A release clause of £68million will kick in in 16 months times – a bargain fee for such a prolific player.
Since joining Dortmund from RB Salzburg in January of last year, the former Molde player has banged 30 goals in just 33 Bundesliga appearances.
He’s also been tearing it up in the Champions League – notching eight goals in five appearances this term.
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Chelsea’s desire to add Haaland to their front line comes with boss Thomas Tuchel struggling to get his front line firing.
Summer signing Timo Werner, 24, has struggled to make an impact, scoring just five Premier League goals.
The new Blues boss seems unconvinced by Tammy Abraham, 23, while at 34, Olivier Giroud is not a long-term option.
It’s likely Champions League participation will be a must for Haaland and at the moment that’s not a guarantee for Chelsea, who are currently fifth in the table behind West Ham.
Any deal this summer would need to be in the region of £150m in order to sway Dortmund into letting their star asset leave early.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
