According to a report by Daily Mail, Chelsea are keeping Villareal forward Gerard Moreno as their second option if they fail to sign Erling Haaland. Borussia Dortmund are asking a high price for Haaland following which Chelsea have to turn their head to cheaper options.
Gerard Moreno has been the regular starter for the Yellow Submarines since he joined them in 2018 from Espanyol. Following which the Spaniard has gone to appear 185 times for Villarreal, in which he chipped in 82 goals and 27 assists in all competitions.
The forward went to enjoy an impressive form last season under Unai Emery. Moreno was the main attacking force upfront as he scored 30 goals and 11 assists in all competitions while appearing 46 times. The Spanish player was also able to put his name in the list of top three scores in La Liga, sitting behind Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema.
But, that’s not all that the forward contributed last season to his club, as he also helped Villareal lift their first European trophy. The Yellow Submarines won their first Europa League title last season after beating Manchester United in the finals. Moreno also sits in the third position of the top scores in the Europa League after scoring 7 goals.
Following his form for Villareal, the forward has also been called for national duty for the ongoing Euro 2020. While he has also gone to catch the eyes of a Premier League club. It is rumored that Chelsea are looking to sign Moreno this summer after having hard luck with Haaland. The Spaniard still has two years left in his contract with Villareal. But, the club may be open to selling him if anyone offers £35-40 million for the forward.
Chelsea eyes for Gerard Moreno after failing to sign Erling Haaland
Chelsea had a great season as they went to lift the Champions League trophy for the second time after beating Manchester City in the final. The Blues have a great squad to compete for the Premier League and Champions League title next season. But they need one change in their attacking department.
Thomas Tuchel needs to replace Timo Werner at the upfront after the German fails to live up to his expectations. The Blues signed the forward after his impressive form for RB Leipzig in Bundesliga. Following his form, Chelsea paid £47.5 million to land the German talent. But the German failed miserably in front of the goal as he missed dozens of opportunities of scoring goals which cost Chelsea heavily in the Premier League.
Following this poor form by the German, Chelsea are forced to invest in a forward this summer, after spending in the same position last summer. The Blues were heavily linked with recent young talent Erling Haaland for a transfer. However, it seems Chelsea are backing off the deal for now, as Dortmund are asking £140 million for the Norwegian star.
As a result, the Blues are now searching for a cheap and short-term replacement for Timo Werner. And Chelsea have found that replacement in the Villareal forward Gerard Moreno. Chelsea are impressed with the recent form of the forward and looks to sign him as a second choice to Haaland.
Chelsea would have to spend a minimum amount of £35 million to land Moreno this summer. Which is much less than what they would have to invest to land Haaland. So, let’s see if Chelsea would be signing Moreno this summer, or goes another season with Timo Werner until they are able to sign Haaland.
