VILLARREAL striker Gerard Moreno has emerged as a shock target for Chelsea as a potential alternative to Erling Haaland.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is keen on bringing in a new centre-forward to Stamford Bridge due to Timo Werner’s struggles in front of goal.
Despite impressing under the German gaffer, the 25-year-old scored just six times in 35 Premier League outings during the 2020-21 campaign.
And attention has turned to bringing in competition for the ex-RB Leipzig star, with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich prepared to splash the cash yet again.
Borussia Dortmund marksman Haaland has been heavily linked with a move to West London, where he is claimed to have already agreed personal terms.
However his hefty price tag of £150m is likely to put off Chelsea until next year when the Noway international’s release clause will mean he’s available for just £65m.
According to Fichajes, Spanish star Moreno has been identified as an alternative to Haaland following a superb season at Villarreal.
It has been stated that Chelsea will only move for Moreno should they be priced out of a deal to sign Haaland.
Moreno, 29, chipped in with an incredible 30 goals and 11 assists in 46 games in all competitions.
He even scored the opener against Manchester United in his side’s Europa League final victory, before finding the back of the net in the mammoth penalty shootout.
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His fine form saw him be in included in Luis Enrique’s final Euro 2020 squad, with the player featuring in Spain’s opening two fixtures.
He came off the bench during the 0-0 draw against Sweden, before starting in the 1-1 draw with Poland, where he provided the assist for Alvaro Morata.
Chelsea also remain keen to lure right wing-back Achraf Hakimi away from Inter Milan, though they face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
Should they fail to land the Morocco international, then the Champions League winners could turn their attention to Wolves’ Adama Traore.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
