Erling Haaland is probably the most sought after footballer in the world at the moment.
The Norwegian forward is just 20 years of age, but he has been linked with a host of clubs on the back of an excellent season with Borussia Dortmund in the German top flight.
The 20-year old has been linked with European clubs of the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the recent past.
And as per the latest rumours, it is none other than European champions Chelsea who want to bring the former RB Salzburg player to Stamford Bridge this summer.
FootTheBall gives you a lowdown on the entire Erling Haaland situation as it develops.
HAALAND TO CHELSEA THIS SUMMER?
Ian McGarry claims that the Norwegian international has agreed personal terms with the Blues, although discussions are still underway between Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea over the transfer fee for the forward, but nothing is concrete as of now.
Haaland had an exceptional season for Die Borrusien in Germany where he won the German Cup with the North Rhine-Westphalia club and also performed brilliantly in front of goal.
The 20-year old racked up 41 goals in as many games in all competitions including 10 in the Champions League – which meant he was this season’s top scorer in the Champions League. As such, he is sought by a plethora of elite clubs in Europe.
Always happy for my achievements but they’re never possible without my teammates! 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/MlB1yTwYBJ
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) May 30, 2021
As per Italian journalist Ekrem Konur, Chelsea have made an initial offer of 70 million euros and Tammy Abraham to acquire the services of the Norwegian international from next season.
But still, this offer is considered extremely low given Haaland’s valuation of around 174 million euros in the transfer market as things stand right now.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has expressed his approval regarding signing new players this summer. “Two or three (signings) could be very, very good. It’s a constant thing to never deny change” he said.
“That you always bring new energy, new guys who question the old beliefs, who challenge everybody in the training and in matches, so I think it’s a good thing” he added.
In addition to it, the Blues are setting their sights on building a healthy and thriving relationship with Borussia Dortmund to conduct future business transactions amicably.
And the Blues see the transfer of Erling Haaland as the first step towards acquiring the Norwegian’s current club teammate Jude Bellingham.
The 17-year old former Birmingham City player was in superb form for Die Borrusien this past season in Germany and even earned a call-up to the England national football team for UEFA Euro 2020.
A few days ago he became the youngest football player to make his debut at the European Championships when he came off the bench during England’s win over Croatia in the British capital and is earmarked for a bright future in the beautiful game.
DORTMUND INTENT ON NOT SELLING HAALAND
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly not keen on selling their most valuable player to any club in Europe this summer.
The Jadon Sancho situation makes it further complicated as Manchester United are interested in bringing back the 21-year old to England.
If the Sancho transfer does indeed happen, then Dortmund will surely not let any club prise Haaland away this summer no matter the amount of the offer for the Norwegian footballer.
As per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Tuchel will have to put forward an eye-watering fee for the Borussia Dortmund forward in order to acquire his services.
And the Stamford Bridge outfit will surely have to surpass the amount they paid for Kai Havertz (Chelsea’s most expensive player) last summer if they aspire to bring Haaland to the Premier League.
HAALAND’S WAGES TO BECOME A STUMBLING BLOCK IN FUTURE?
Haaland is reportedly open to a move to the British capital, but his wage packet can become a bone of contention with the Premier League side in the near future as the club’s finances will undoubtedly be affected by the raging pandemic.
In a season that was vastly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic for the majority of the past few months, the ability to pay lavish weekly wages will henceforth probably become a rarity.
A lot of clubs have begun an unloading drive such as recently crowned Italian champions Inter Milan who relieved Antonio Conte of his duties despite having a spectacular season with the Nerazzurri.
As such, it will be interesting to see if Chelsea are prepared to break the bank for the 20-year old Norwegian and bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer as Thomas Tuchel plans for the season ahead in the wake of the Blues’ Champions League triumph in Porto.