Former Blue Scott Minto said Chelsea would not want to miss an opportunity to sign “world-class” Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland if they had the budget.
The 20-year-old became the quickest player to reach 20 goals in the Champions League after scoring twice against Sevilla last night.
It took Haaland just 14 games, beating the previous record held by Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane who recorded 20 goals in 24 games by a huge margin.
The Athletic reported in January, Chelsea are will try to sign the Norway international this summer before his €75million (£66.6 million) release clause becomes active in June 2022.
The report added that Chelsea felt the summer would be an opportune time to move while many clubs are still struggling with the financial impact of the pandemic situation.
This suggests that the Blues are confident that they have the financial power to tempt Dortmund to sell.
And former Chelsea defender Minto has urged the club to sign the complete striker.
“Buy him — as simple as that,” he told Stadium Astro.
“He’s one of the best strikers already in the world — and he can do everything.
“He can go in behind and score the goals, he can hold the ball up and play that lone striker role.
“And he’s got 10 years ahead of him as well. Buy him.
“This kid is pretty much already world-class, and he’s only going to get better.”
Chronicle view
Unfortunately, Chelsea are obviously not the only club in the race to sign Haaland.
The Blues have proved they could attract top European talents when they signed Kai Havertz and Timo Werner last summer.
But the competition for Haaland’s signature will likely be on another level.
To improve their chances of signing him, Chelsea must first secure a top-four finish.
Thomas Tuchel might also want to make a few phone calls and explain his project to the striker and his representatives, similar to how Frank Lampard convinced Werner and Havertz last summer.