Signing a striker is a top priority this summer for Chelsea, and head coach Thomas Tuchel is understood to have Erling Haaland at the very...
Chelsea may have moved a step closer to securing the services of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
That is because, according to a report by the Telegraph, the Norway international is believed to be 'interested' in making the switch to Stamford Bridge and becoming the last piece in Thomas Tuchel's jigsaw.
The Chelsea head coach is desperate to land a new out-and-out striker this summer in a bid to take his side to the next level and see them challenge the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United for the Premier League title next season.
Despite spending around £50million on luring Germany international Timo Werner to Stamford Bridge a year ago, the Blues are yet to see the 25-year-old fulfil his hefty-sized transfer fee, as he netted just 12 goals in all competitions this season.
The Chelsea head coach is desperate to land a new out-and-out striker this summer in a bid to take his side to the next level and see them challenge the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United for the Premier League title next season.
Despite spending around £50million on luring Germany international Timo Werner to Stamford Bridge a year ago, the Blues are yet to see the 25-year-old fulfil his hefty-sized transfer fee, as he netted just 12 goals in all competitions this season.
But whilst it is said Chelsea have 'confidence' in signing him, they also need Haaland to be singing from the same hymn sheet. Now, though, it appears as though he is, with the report by the Telegraph claiming that the 20-year-old Leeds-born frontman would be interested in making the switch if the Blues can successfully strike a deal with Dortmund.
However, it is reported that Haaland would be keen on making the switch to Stamford Bridge even if he had to wait another 12 months, with Chelsea considering the idea of setting up an agreement for next summer if Dortmund remain determined to retain his services for another year.
Landing Haaland this summer would almost certainly set the Blues back by £150m, but if they were to bide their time and wait another 12 months they will be able to land him for significantly less. That is because the former Red Bull Salzburg man has a release clause within his contract that comes into effect next summer, meaning he could leave for somewhere between £65m to £86m.
As things stand, English trio Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United would be the only three clubs capable of financing a deal for Haaland this summer, although Real Madrid would likely be able to afford a move at a reduced rate in 12 months time.
Dortmund are reluctant to let go of the youngster this summer after qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League, but they may take into account the fact that they are certain to receive a much higher price for him in this window than in next year's summer window.
Haaland is not the only striker to have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur also believed to be on the Blues' radar.
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