Chelsea are preparing to test Borussia Dortmund’s determination for striker Erling Haaland with a huge bid worth around £ 135 million.
As was first revealed by 90 minutes earlier this month, Chelsea are preparing a monster offer for the 20-year-old, despite Dortmund’s public insistence that they are not interested in listening to offers for Haaland this summer.
Dortmund does not want to sell Haaland / Fran Santiago / Getty Images
It has since been backed by many other sources, one of whom was Jan Aage Fjortoft, who has since emphasized to ESPN that a “fantasy bid” worth about 135 million pounds will soon arrive at Dortmund’s desk.
“Chelsea have him as their main goal,” said Fjortoft. “They would like to test Dortmund with a fantasy offer, and a fantasy offer will be around € 150 million (£ 135 million) – twice as much as they can get for him next summer.”
Sources confirmed to 90 minutes earlier in July that Chelsea are keen to do business with around £ 135 million, which the Blues still believe is more than generous given that he will be available for close to £ 65 million next summer.
Chelsea know that there will be high agency fees to pay to both Mino Raiola and Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, so they are keen to keep the transfer fee down if possible.
However, Dortmund do not really care what Chelsea want. They hope to keep Haaland this summer, although they are expected to listen to all offers of 150 million pounds, which may prove to be too much for Chelsea.
“It is interesting to follow, but he will probably stay at Dortmund,” added Fjortoft. “Dortmund keep saying ‘he will stay, he will stay.’ [Jadon] Sancho a year ago and he stayed, so it is likely that Haaland will still be a Dortmund player in the coming season, but we are waiting for the big, big offer from Chelsea. “
Roman Abramovich has his heart set on signing Haaland / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
If Haaland proves unattainable, Chelsea are expected to turn to two other expensive goals, Inter Romelu Lukaku and Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
The search is also underway for cheaper alternatives, with Sasa Kalajdzic, the tall Stuttgart forward, the latest man on the radar.
