In a recent report, The Athletic (subscription required) has claimed that Chelsea are ready to make a big push for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland this summer. It is understood that the Blues are prepared to splash the cash to bring the Norwegian frontman to Stamford Bridge at the end of this campaign (via The Athletic).
Haaland’s Excellent Form In League And European Football
Haaland has enjoyed another outstanding season at the Signal Iduna Park as he has produced several match-winning performances as the focal point of the Dortmund attack. The Leeds-born marksman has banged in 19 goals and provided three assists in 17 matches for the German outfit this term across all competitions.
The 20-year-old has done well to average 3.6 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga this season. However, his numbers have gone up in Europe where he is averaging 4.8 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League group stages. However, Haaland can improve his link-up play with others around him based on his pass success rate of 74.6% in European football (stats via whoscored).
The Norwegian whizkid could be tempted by the opportunity to join the Blues at the end of this campaign as such a move will give him a fresh challenge to test himself against the best players in Premier League football.
What Will The Dortmund Star Bring To Stamford Bridge?
Haaland is one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga and can use his electric pace and acceleration to make some well-timed runs in behind the opponent’s backline. Standing at 1.94m, he is a commanding presence in the air and can often overpower his marker to get the better of them in the final third.
The seven-time Norway international has established himself as a prolific forward in European football over the past 18 months. However, there are some concerns over whether he will be able to maintain his high standards at a club like Chelsea where the former Bundesliga players, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner have both struggled to catch the eye with their overall contributions this season.
Haaland will undoubtedly add plenty of pace and goals to Frank Lampard’s attack and would go a long way in helping the Blues challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title in the coming seasons. At 20, the Norwegian sensation is a generational talent who will only get better with each season.
Lampard has currently got Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud as his forward options. However, with Giroud’s contract set to expire next summer, recruiting someone of Haaland’s quality will be a massive coup for Chelsea if they can find a way to get a deal over the line for the player at the end of this season.
