Erling Haaland has delivered Chelsea a fresh transfer blow after the 21-year-old admitted that he is excited to play alongside former Arsenal youth star and new Borussia Dortmund signing, Donyell Malen.
The Norwegian sensation has been identified as the Blues’ number one target but the move is not without its complications.
As it stands, the 21-year-old remains firmly the property of Dortmund despite a number of differing outlets speculating on his future and the various stages of a potential deal.
And as one of the hottest prospects in European football, Haaland is going to be incredibly expensive, even for clubs with the spending power of Chelsea.
It’s understood that Dortmund are looking to keep hold of Haaland this summer, especially after letting wide man Jadon Sancho join Manchester United earlier in the window.
That decision could come with consequences however, as it is speculated that the striker’s release clause could drop to £75million next summer, when he will have just two years remaining on his contract at the Westfalenstadion.
Therefore, selling him isn’t totally out of the question, but after Haaland spoke about playing alongside Malen, it seems as though Dortmund’s prize asset will be staying at the club.
"I told him to give me a lot of assists, otherwise I'll get mad at him,” the 21-year old joked to Sky Germany, via the Daily Star.
"I hope we will play together in the offence. He's here to make a difference.
"He has to bring a positive energy and deliver from the first minute because BVB is a big club."
Haaland’s words do suggest that he’ll be staying in the Bundesliga for at least another year, but with Tuchel determined to bring in a top striker to help boost Chelsea’s domestic title ambitions, you can’t rule this one out just yet.
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