9:50pm: Dortmund decided Haaland’s replacement ahead of possible Chelsea move, as Blues eyeing move for Villarreal star
According to latest reports, Chelsea have received a transfer boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, with the German club agreeing personal terms with his potential replacement.
Haaland, 20, has been heavily linked to the Stamford Bridge club this summer, and the latest developments showcase encouraging signs for the Blues in their pursuit of the Norwegian star.
This is because according to German outlet Sport Bild, the Black and Yellows have reached an agreement with Dutch forward Donyell Malen on personal terms which include contract length and salaries.
Dutch forward Malen is coming off the back of a very strong season with Eredivisie side PSV, having scored 27 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.
The 22-year-old also had a strong Euro 2020 tournament with Frank De Boer’s Netherlands side, assisting two goals in their run to the round of 16, where they were eventually knocked out by Czech Republic. All that is needed for this deal to be finalised is for the two clubs to agree on a fee.
This comes as a boost to the west Londoners’ pursuit of striker Haaland, with reports illustrating the Blues’ frustrations so far in trying to prise the 20-year-old sensation out of Dortmund this summer.
The latest on the deal is that according to Sport Bild Journalist Christian Falk, Marco Rose’s side have rejected Chelsea’s informal offer of sending one of either Tammy Abraham or Callum Hudson-Odoi to Germany in part exchange for Haaland.
Contradictory to Falk’s update, reports in England from The Times are stating that no part exchange deals have been offered in any shape or form.
But Sky Sports’ latest update is still relevant to the common theme so far, and this is that the deal could be a ‘mission impossible’ task for Roman Abramovich and the rest of the Chelsea board to make a reality this summer.
“It’s going to be very difficult,” Kaveh Solhekol told Sky Sports News. “It’s no secret that Chelsea want to sign a number nine this summer. And Erling Haaland is their number one target.”
He went on to add: “As far as Haaland is concerned, Borussia Dortmund are saying he is not for sale, even though he has this release clause in his contract which means he could leave next summer for about £75m.
“Now some of the biggest clubs like Chelsea are thinking that they could steal a march on their rivals this summer by offering Dortmund more than that release clause. Maybe that will tempt Dortmund to sell him.
“But of course, Borussia Dortmund are saying he’s not for sale, and once more we’ve already raised £73m by agreeing to sell Jadon Sancho to Manchester United. But still Chelsea are interested and still want to sign him.
“We’ve spoken to someone who’s involved in the deal, and he said it’s going to be very difficult. He said at the moment, it looks like ‘mission impossible’ but Chelsea are trying. It’s unlikely but who knows, it could still happen.”
With Malen close to joining the Westfalenstadion club, they could have indirectly secured their replacement already for the Norwegian International, if a crazy official bid was to be sent in by Thomas Tuchel’s side later on in this summer’s transfer window.
Blues eyeing move for Villarreal star
Chelsea are eyeing a move for Alfonso Pedraza, according to Chelsea News. The Blues are planning to revamp their squad this summer, with Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso both set to be offloaded.
That would leave first-choice left-back Ben Chilwell without cover in the squad and Thomas Tuchel is targeting a move for the Villarreal full-back as a result. The Spaniard has a playing style similar to the Englishman’s, which could help him settle quickly into the German manager’s tactics at Stamford Bridge.
EXCLU: Chelsea interest in Alfonso Pedraza is serious. They will look to sign him later this summer, if and when both Alonso and Emerson are gone. Villareal open to selling and player happy to move for big wage bump.— Will Faulks (@willfaulks) July 15, 2021.
Chelsea are expected to step up their efforts to sign Pedraza in the coming days, but it will all depend on whether they can offload Emerson and Alonso. The Blues are not expected to have any problems in securing the Villarreal star’s signature, as the Spaniard does not have a huge price tag on his head.
The 25-year-old is willing to move to the Premier League and is ready to play second fiddle to Chilwell at Stamford Bridge.