Chelsea are heating up their pursuit of Erling Haaland this summer. The Champions League winners are preparing to raise funds by selling some of their players in the transfer market.
It was reported recently that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was ready to spend big to sign Haaland. However, Sunday World reported that Chelsea are looking to offload some of its players to raise money.
According to reports Chelsea are looking to raise around £86m to spend on Borussia Dortmund star Haaland. The players to be sold include Tammy Abraham, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ross Barkley, and Olivier Giroud.
CHELSEA PRIORITISING HAALAND
Chelsea’s pursuit of Haaland is not a secret. The Blues are in search of a proven goalscorer. Manager Thomas Tuchel considers the number nine position as one of the key areas that require fixing.
The current options are have been underwhelming or underutilized. Timo Werner had a miserable season in the attack. Though an excellent player who helps press the ball and works selflessly, the German is wasteful in front of the goalpost. The other option includes Olivier Giroud who is getting old and Tammy Abraham who is not in Tuchel’s plan.
Chelsea have identified few options as the ideal signings. This include Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. The respective clubs of these players are not ready to sell them this summer. Chelsea however is considering the Norwegian as the best option as he offers excellent value with his age and ability.
CLEARING OUT PLAYERS
But funding Haaland is going to be the biggest issue. The Norwegians release clause of €75 million becomes active next summer. Hence more clubs will look to sign him next summer. This is a reason that is nudging Chelsea to sign him this summer.
The major way for Chelsea to fund this move is to sell their fringe players. Tammy Abraham is heavily linked for moving to Aston Villa or used in a player plus cash deal for Haaland. Ross Barkley and Kepa Arrizabalaga are other players who could be sold in the summer. Olivier Giroud is also someone who could make his way out of Stamford Bridge.
Whether Chelsea will be able to offload all of them is going to be an issue. If if they can, raising money during this pandemic will be hard. Selling them however will also help in releasing huge wage bills from their books. The fund raised together with the financial resources of the Blues could make Haaland’s move possible.
