By Nathaniel Kay

'Better to keep Tammy': Chelsea fans unimpressed by latest links to Haaland alternative

Several Chelsea fans on social media did not take kindly to the news that Sasa Kalajdzic is reportedly now on Thomas Tuchel’s transfer radar.

The Athletic recently stated that Stuttgart’s sizeable striker is being assessed as a possible cheaper alternative to Erling Haaland.

Although their goalscoring numbers and prowess are not on the same level, Kalajdzic gave a good account of himself in the Bundesliga last season.

He netted 16 goals in 33 league games, more than any Chelsea player managed.

Granted, the Austrian’s tally was some way off Haaland’s 27 in 28 matches, but it’s a strong return nonetheless.

However, Blues fans still felt massively underwhelmed by the links to Kalajdzic.

Here’s how they reacted on Twitter:

Chelsea are intent on signing a new centre-forward before the transfer window closes.

They do of course have options already situated in their squad, including Tammy Abraham, who is seriously being touted with a move away.

Armando Broja is also part of Tuchel’s set-up and recently signed a contract extension keeping him until 2026.

A lot of the Blues’ eggs have been placed in the Haaland basket, with a few scattered in different locations.

Kalajdzic is the latest rumour to hatch; will Chelsea crack and move in for the 6ft 7in attacker?

It would certainly be a left field choice, considering the lack of top flight footballing experiences the 24-year-old has encountered over the past few years.

2020/21 was his first senior campaign outside of Austria, one he took to extremely well.

If the Blues are to move in for Stuttgart’s no.9, they will have to act fast, as the window gradually closes shut.

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Nathaniel Kay

"Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produced regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League. Nathaniel is a full-time writer for the Chelsea Chronicle, and was formerly their social media man. His footballing career reached the sparkling heights of winning the Under-13s Bloxham Tournament in 2011."