Chelsea set to test the water with approach for 20-year-old goal machine to beat competition

Chelsea formulate a plan to beat rivals for Erling Haaland transfer

According to Eurosport, Chelsea are devising a plan to beat their competitors for the transfer of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window.

Haaland has developed into one of the most feared strikers in Europe over the past couple of years. Having burst onto the scenes at Austrian outfit RB Salzburg, the 20-year-old was snapped up by Dortmund in January last year, where he has made a stunning impact with his goalscoring prowess.

With 41 goals from 41 games in the 2020/21 season, Haaland helped the Black and Yellows lift the DFB Pokal and finish inside the top four of the Bundesliga. His rise to stardom over the period has led to interest from various quarters, including Chelsea as well as Real Madrid. (h/t Eurosport)

Chelsea spent a fortune to strengthen their attack last summer, with Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech all arriving through the doors. However, a new striker remains a top priority for Thomas Tuchel which is understandable considering that Werner was constantly fluffing his lines in front of goal whereas Tammy Abraham has fallen out of favour.

Haaland, to that end, has been identified as the top target by the club. But, Dortmund are not keen on letting him leave this summer and are already planning for a season with him in the squad. Chelsea, however, are hoping to change that stance by testing the water with an approach for the 20-year-old Norwegian.

Haaland has a release clause worth €75 million which kicks in next summer, meaning a lot more clubs could enter the race to sign the Norwegian. Chelsea are keen to avoid a situation like that by launching a move for the striker in the current transfer window itself.

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Despite Dortmund’s stance, there is a feeling that a bid in the region of €160 million could be too hard to turn down for them. Whether Chelsea are willing to offer that sum remains to be seen.

However, the report does add that the Blues have been working hard to cultivate a positive relationship with Haaland and his camp and have already laid out the terms of a deal for the striker. But, whether he would be open to a move or would prefer a switch to Real Madrid is also not clear. As things stand, though, Chelsea seem to be doing their best to try and capture the striker’s signing this summer itself.