Oven-ready Chelsea deal faces gazumping by extensive rival Haaland plan

Erling Haaland Borussia Dortmund

Chelsea and Manchester City appear to be two of the clubs showing most interest in a summer deal for Erling Haaland, a report has claimed.

The Borussia Dortmund striker has announced himself as one of Europe’s brightest talents in recent seasons.

After scoring a hat-trick on his Champions League debut for RB Salzburg, he opened the door to a big move. Indeed, in December 2019 – aged 19, he secured an exciting transfer to Dortmund.

However, he has taken the new challenge in his stride, scoring 38 goals in 40 games for the German side.

As such, despite being only a year into his Bundesliga career, speculation has again arisen about his next step. Real Madrid, Manchester United, City and Chelsea all harbour an interest in advancing his talents.

However, 90min claims that City and Chelsea appear to be toward the front of the race for his signature.

In fact, the Manchester club believe that they are in pole position to land the Norwegian. Club chiefs have built up an extensive rapport with his family and representatives, dating back to his time with Molde.

What’s more, they feel ‘buoyed’ by the fact that money is not Haaland’s only deciding factor in his career choices. Instead, he is keen to find the best project, opting for Dortmund instead of Old Trafford.

'Unique Haaland can be world class'

'Unique Haaland can be world class'

Norway coach Lars Lagerback believes Erling Braut Haaland has the potential to be as good as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

City have also been planning to sign a new striker for the last 12 months, so have all the building blocks in place.

Pep Guardiola is aware that Sergio Aguero will likely leave as a free agent at the end of the season. Meanwhile, there is a feeling that Gabriel Jesus cannot pick up the mantle as Aguero has in his time with City.

Therefore, signing a new No. 9 is the club’s top priority.

Chelsea have Haaland offer ready

Erling Haaland

Nevertheless, Chelsea are firmly in the race.

90min also claims that the Blues have a deal that is ‘ready to offer’ as they look to win the race for Haaland.

The source does not divulge the terms of this deal, but says that the Blues are keenly following the striker.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel refused to open up on Haaland in Wednesday’s press conference out of “respect” for players under contract at other clubs.

But despite a release clause in the player’s Dortmund contract becoming active in the summer of 2022, Haaland could well be snapped up before then.

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