Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland 'expects' to move to Chelsea this summer, but his agent Mino Raiola may create a stumbling block.
The Blues remain on the lookout for a new elite striker despite the arrival of Timo Werner last June, with the German attacker proving more effective in support of a centre-forward than in that role himself in 2020/21.
Still only 20 years old, a deal for Haaland would likely cost a cool £170m in total. However, it was revealed last month that that sum may not actually deter Chelsea in their pursuit of the coveted frontman.
The Norwegian has scored 57 goals in just 59 games since arriving from Molde, including 41 strikes in as many appearances last season, but Dortmund find themselves in a difficult position, with a £65m release clause in his contract set to become active from next year. It means that if the Bundesliga side want to sell him for anything close to his value, they may have to do so now.
And according to the Transfer Window Podcast's Ian McGarry, the player actually 'expects' to move to Stamford Bridge this summer. However, McGarry adds that the insistence of Haaland's representative Raiola on a get-out clause could prove to be an obstacle to any transfer.
The super-agent is said to want to ensure any subsequent move away from Chelsea is smooth, while also securing his commission. If the move is to go ahead, McGarry believes this is a key issue that will need to be ironed out first.
Just as it did in 2012 when Chelsea landed Eden Hazard, the Blues' hierarchy will hope that winning the Champions League will give them an edge when competing with the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid for Haaland's signature.
Speaking in June, Haaland revealed he unsurprisingly dreams of winning Europe's premier club competition. "For as long as I can remember, even when I was a really young kid, I was watching the Champions League," he said, as quoted by TeamTalk.
“There were great teams with huge legends scoring goals. So that became my dream.
“My dream was to play in the Champions League, to score in the Champions League. You know that is where the best players play and that’s where the best players belong.”
Source : 90min