TAMMY ABRAHAM is not interested in negotiating a new Chelsea deal while the club plot a blockbuster move for Erling Haaland, according to reports.
The Athletic claims sources suggest England forward Abraham is not keen to discuss an extension while the Blues eye up Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland.
Tammy Abraham is not ready to discuss an extension at Chelsea while the club chase Erling HaalandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Haaland is being chased by Europe’s biggest clubs after his prolific goalscoring at Borussia DortmundCredit: AFP or licensors
Chelsea have made the prolific Norwegian striker a priority signing which could imply 23-year-old Abraham – who has two years left on his deal – can not be certain of his long-term future at the club.
The report states Abraham wants to lead the line for club and country and is already in competition with Olivier Giroud for a spot in the starting XI.
Haaland, 20, has bagged 43 goals in 43 games for Dortmund and is being chased by a host of European giants.
But the West Londoners are reportedly ‘quietly’ confident they will be able to lure the former RB Salzburg star to Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are said to be preparing to blindside Prem rivals Manchester United with a bid for Haaland before his £65million release clause activates.
The clause comes into play in 2022 but Eurosport claims the Blues are making progress behind the scenes as they try and convince Haaland to pledge his future with them.
Owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly ready to hand his new German boss a £260m transfer war chest this summer.
That is despite the Russian bankrolling a massive £230m worth of transfers before the start of this season.
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The money is earmarked for the headline signing of Haaland who it is hoped can transform Chelsea into title contenders.
Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola revealed he expects FOUR English clubs to scramble for his signature.
Both Manchester sides and Liverpool have also been linked with a move that will cost over £100m this summer.
Raiola believes Haaland can succeed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to become one of the next big superstars of world football.
It’s like saying: ‘Is there a Formula 1 team who would not be interested in having Lewis Hamilton?'”
Mino Raiola
Raiola told the BBC: “It’s obvious there are only a maximum of ten clubs that can afford to buy him.
“We can fill in four of those clubs – and four of those clubs are in England. You can call them and say ‘would you be interested?’
“There is not a sporting director or trainer in the world that would say he would be not be interested.
“It’s like saying: ‘Is there a Formula 1 team who would not be interested in having Lewis Hamilton?'”
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel left fuming over ‘reckless’ tackle on Tammy Abraham
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
