Harry Diamond
Chelsea are aiming to beat their rivals to the signing of Erling Haaland with a big offer before the Borussia Dortmund star’s release clause becomes active in 2022.
Haaland has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in world football since bursting onto the scene with Red Bull Salzburg last season, moving to the Bundesliga last winter and continuing to score at a prolific rate.
The Norway international has scored 41 goals in just 42 appearances in all competitions since moving to Germany, including a clinical double as Dortmund beat Sevilla 3-2 in the Champions League in midweek.
Europe’s leading clubs are monitoring the 20-year-old ahead of a potential move with Haaland’s contract at the Westfalenstadion containing a release clause of €75m (£66m), though the clause will only become active following the 2021/22 season.
According to the The Athletic, Chelsea are aiming to win the race for Haaland’s signature by making an early bid for the forward this summer and are prepared to break their transfer record to sign the in-demand star.
Chelsea are keen to sign a new centre-forward with Olivier Giroud expected to leave at the end of the season and the west London side believe Haaland is a player who can take the club to the next level.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid have all been credited with an interest in signing Haaland and Chelsea are hopeful an early move can see them win the race.
Chelsea’s pursuit could be boosted further if Dortmund fail to secure Champions League qualification this season, the German side currently sixth in the Bundesliga and facing a fight to secure a top four finish.
The financial impact of missing out on a place in Europe’s elite, alongside Haaland’s desire to compete at the highest level, could see Dortmund cash in on the Norwegian for a higher fee than they will be obligated to accept in 2022.
Haaland is currently the leading scorer in this season’s Champions League and has scored a staggering 18 goals in just 13 appearances in the competition since his debut last season.
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