The endless saga of Erling Haaland’s future has been one of the biggest transfer talks of the year. Although the player has been linked with many clubs over the summer, none are able to unearth a suitable price for the Norwegian.
Borussia Dortmund are apparently keen on keeping the player for at least one more season. However, rumours suggest that Haaland could potentially move to Chelsea this window.
Roman Abramovich is ready to splash 130 million euros for the coveted striker according to rumours. The London club is vested in bringing a world-class striker this summer. With Timo Werner underperforming the goal stats and Giroud on his way out, Chelsea need a frontman capable of netting goals.
Jorginho was their top scorer last season with seven goals from a defensive midfield position. Defender Kurt Zouma netted five times for the Blues while their strikers remained less than prolific.
😬 Chelsea's top scorer in the 2020/21 Premier League was Jorginho with 7 goals (all penalties)
🤪 Erling Haaland had more league goals than that after his first seven games of the season (10)… pic.twitter.com/tyrl7Q52pz
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 8, 2021
Erling Braut Haaland fits the bill as the perfect replacement for one of Chelsea’s strikers. In 27 starts in the Bundesliga, Haaland netted 27 goals. Averaging nearly a goal per game, Haaland’s conversion rate has been one of the best last season. Few strikers in world football have been as efficient as Haaland and Chelsea could benefit from his arrival. Although Chelsea’s other targets, Lukaku and Kane, are at the top of their game, Haaland can give a different edge to the Blues.
IS THE CHELSEA MOVE ON?
Almost every elite team in Europe has been linked to the 21-year-old. Why wouldn’t they be? Haaland is one of just two young strikers in World football that has been scoring for fun over the past couple of seasons. Mbappe being the other name remains elusive with an unprecedented transfer value. However, both players will be up for grabs next season either cheap or for free if they do not extend their contracts.
🤩 Erling Haaland has scored 40 goals in 43 Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund and scores more than a goal per game in the Champions League (20 in 16 games)
😅 No wonder Chelsea are not giving up on signing him this summer! pic.twitter.com/umO2TcVsif
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 15, 2021
The Champions League top scorer will be available for a mere £68 million as his release clause kicks in next year. If Dortmund is looking to cash in on the player, this might be the best opportunity they have. Chelsea have reportedly submitted a bid worth 130 million euros including player swaps and additional bonuses.
Dortmund haven’t budged and Abramovich may be tempted to splash close to 150 million euros for his signature. However, a deal worth more might not be palpable and Chelsea might turn to alternatives.
"Some of them want to look absolutely for the chance to stay, some of them want to maybe leave. There are possibilities for all of us and this group deserves our full attention, and they get it."
– Thomas Tuchelhttps://t.co/SF0ERkTWnv pic.twitter.com/vFylPDjFkg
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) July 26, 2021
Having already spent 200million euros last summer, Chelsea only managed to finish fourth in the table. Thomas Tuchel’s arrival has revitalised the team and the German helped them lift the Champions League trophy. A brilliant revival in the second half of the domestic league was also marked by Tuchel’s arrival.
Chelsea are a club notoriously known for firing underperforming managers and Tuchel will need to maintain his run going into next season. The manager has demanded a striker that could potentially help them compete on all fronts.
THE LACK OF GOALS FROM THE FORWARDS
Timo Werner was a constant starter for the Blues last season but was unable to find the net in most of his outings. In 35 appearances, the German managed only six goals. And although he provided eight assists, the sole striker’s lack of goals is an increasing concern for the club. Tammy Abraham has found the net as many times, but has not been Tuchel’s first choice since his arrival. Therefore, a proper out and out goalscorer is Chelsea’s target for the summer.
No Premier League player has missed more "big chances" than Timo Werner in all competitions this season according to Opta.
He's missed 26. 😳 pic.twitter.com/B6NarIBAAZ
— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) May 29, 2021
The prolific Romelu Lukaku and England’s top striker Harry Kane are the other options Chelsea are eyeing besides Haaland. Both these names have experience and can be expected to chip in goals for the club upon arrival. However, the Borussia Dortmund Striker is the youngest of the lot and has proven to be more effective.
Inter CEO Marotta: “Romelu Lukaku is untouchable for us this summer, absolutely. He’s a key player for Inter”, he told Mediaset. 🔵🇧🇪 #Inter #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2021
“It’s good to be back and to play my first game of the preseason. The result obviously wasn’t good, but that’s not what it’s about. It goes without saying that we want to win, but getting to run and play with the team and work on certain situations is good. The season starts in two weeks, and we’re going to be well prepared for it.” -Erling Haaland; source: BVB
Haaland is also deemed as the perfect fit for Tuchel’s direct attacking style of football. At just 21-years of age, Haaland would be a long-term investment for Chelsea, one who has already proved himself at the biggest stages in Europe. Timo Werner might be on the move if Haaland’s signature is secured, but as of now, nothing is confirmed.
Erling Haaland has no agreement on personal terms with any club, as of today. But the real issue to sign Haaland this summer is Borussia Dortmund position. 🇳🇴 #Haaland
BVB insist NO official bid received from Chelsea yet – not even discussing about players included in the deal.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 24, 2021
Haaland is happy at his current club and is training with Borussia Dortmund. According to Fabrizio Romano, there have been no official bids submitted for the striker. No club has officially made any attempt to get his signature so far and Dortmund remains clear in their stance. But, that is unlikely to end the rumour mill, especially for a player, whose worth is as of now, is unmeasurable.
