Chelsea are reportedly prepared to pay a club-record fee to sign the enigmatic Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
The Athletic broke the seismic news that they had been assured of Chelsea’s interest in buying an elite striker and Haaland was top of their shopping list.
Haaland has been breaking records ever since he smashed onto the scene with RB Salzburg and his stock has continued to rise in Germany.
He has remarkably scored 35 goals in 35 appearances for the Bundesliga side and managed 44 in 40 during his breakthrough 2019/20 campaign. The Norway international also became the first teenager to score 10 Champions League goals in a single campaign.
His numbers have led his Norway national coach, Las Lagerback, to say he has not seen a player ‘since maybe Messi or Ronaldo that developed at such a young age.’
Despite has release clause at Dortmund not coming into effect until 2022, The Athletic were certain that Chelsea were willing to go above and beyond in their efforts to obtain the 20-year-old phenomenon.
Chelsea would have to overcome several obstacles before landing Haaland’s priceless signature. Several big European sides are also interested, including Premier League foes Manchester City and Manchester United.
Real Madrid are suggested to be his favoured destination, although Barcelona are also in the hunt.
Another hurdle would be the cost of bringing him to Stamford Bridge. His release clause is currently set at £66.6m (The Athletic), which cannot be triggered until the end of next season. Dortmund will want to hike up the price of their prized asset so the cost will be considerably higher.
Frank Lampard has already been given the support of the board after spending over £200m (BBC Sport) last transfer window and would not hesitate to splash the cash on the striker.
The Chelsea Chronicle View
Chelsea’s team is turning more into Fantasy Football as the days go by. But there isn’t a single fan in SW6 who wouldn’t want to see Haaland in a blue jersey.
His figures are quite incredible for a man of his age, if we can even call him a man considering he doesn’t turn 21 for another seven months.
I would be all for the move because if Chelsea don’t, someone undoubtedly will and it would pain me to see him strive with a rival.
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