Chelsea
have been warned they are facing "mission impossible" as they step up their
efforts to sign Borussia Dortmund and Norway striker Erling Haaland this
summer.
Chelsea want to sign a number nine during this window and Haaland is their
top target. Other options are Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane.
Haaland has become one of the most sought-after players in the world after
scoring 48 times in 51 games for club and country last season.
He has a £70m release clause in his Dortmund contract which can be activated
next summer. Clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid have
been in talks to see whether they could buy him this summer at a premium
price.
A source close to the discussions says Dortmund do not want to sell Haaland,
especially because they are already letting Jadon Sancho join United this
month in a £73m deal.
"Chelsea are trying but it is going to be very difficult," he said. "At the
moment it looks like mission impossible. It is unlikely but that doesn't
mean it can't happen."
Chelsea spent big money on players such as Timo Werner and Kai Havertz last
summer and owner Roman Abramovich is willing to strengthen his squad again.
While the finances of Chelsea's European rivals have been hit by the effects
of the pandemic, Abramovich can afford to back Thomas Tuchel in the transfer
market. Stamford Bridge has become an even more attractive destination for
the world's best players after Chelsea won the Champions League final in
Porto six weeks ago.
Lukaku said last month he was happy to stay at Inter Milan, while as far as
Kane is concerned, it is doubtful whether Tottenham would ever sell the
England captain to one of their biggest rivals.
According to Sky in Germany, Haaland's agent Mino Raiola is asking for a
commission of €40m (£34.2m) as part of any deal for the Dortmund striker
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