Chelsea confident of Abramovich transfer ploy to leave Man Utd in lurch

Chelsea believe that they can beat their transfer rivals – including Manchester United – to a swoop for Erling Haaland, according to a report.

The 20-year-old, who exploded onto the scene in 2019, has quickly become one of the world’s most prolific strikers.

But after recently sealing a switch to Borussia Dortmund, speculation about his next move has already arisen.

What’s more, reports have emerged that the Norwegian has a £66million release clause which becomes active in the summer of 2022.

United looked to sign Haaland last January before he moved to Germany from RB Salzburg. However, they lost out and have supposedly earmarked his exit fee as a prime opportunity to strike.

But while they could also sanction a swoop next summer, Chelsea have the same idea and believe they can beat the Red Devils to his signature.

Indeed, The Athletic claims that the Blues are willing to do their ‘utmost’ to bring the striker to west London in 2021. Although, it remains unclear if United’s plan remains the same as their Premier League rivals’.

The Old Trafford club did not want to pay £108million to sign Jadon Sancho in the last transfer window. As such, it is unknown if they will pay above the odds to snap up Haaland.

Should they choose not to, though, Chelsea will still have to face off competition for Sancho’s teammate. After holding off on their expenditure last summer, Real Madrid are ready to spend, with Haaland a top target.

In addition, Chelsea will have to deal with the player’s notorious agent, Mino Raiola.

The agent and the Blues have a chequered history, with Raiola scuppering Romelu Lukaku’s move to Stamford Bridge in 2017. Instead, the striker moved to United.

Haaland has scored 35 goals in 35 games for Dortmund since his move just over a year ago.

Former coach claims Havertz forced out

Amid their fresh transfer links, Chelsea came out of the last window as the Premier League’s biggest spenders, paying over £200million for several fresh talents.

Midfielder Kai Havertz was among them, but after a bright start his battle with coronavirus has seen him struggle in recent weeks.

According to his former coach, however, another of Chelsea’s recent acquisitions is affecting his progress.

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