Transfer: Abramovich approves raid of Dortmund stars
Chelsea are reportedly ready for a double raid on Borussia Dortmund, with the signing of Erling Haaland to be followed by the arrival of talented midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Blues owner is understood to be taking a key role in discussions, just as he did when the London club snapped up Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen for £71million last summer.
Abramovich is apparently willing to push through deals for Haaland and Bellingham. The Norwegian frontman would cost upwards of £100m, but it was reported on Wednesday that Chelsea had agreed personal terms with the goal machine.
Blues coach Thomas Tuchel wants a world-class striker to lead his attack after watching his side struggle to turn their dominance in games into goals, largely due to Timo Werner’s struggles in front of goal.
The Blues only lost three league outings after Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in late January, but their goals were shared around – rather than having a dominant force in attack.
Havertz scored the only goal during an all-English Champions League final against Manchester City, justifying Abramovich’s proactive stance during negotiations nearly 12 months ago.
And the Russian wants to take a similar position in talks to bring in Haaland, according to a report in the Daily Express, via Goal.
Abramovich also wants to strengthen relations with Dortmund ahead of what is anticipated to be a hotly contested race to sign starlet Bellingham.
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Chelsea’s ties with the Bundesliga club are mixed, despite them signing Christian Pulisic from the Westfalonstadion.
The Blues have previously turned down Dortmund’s approaches for striker Michy Batshuayi and for former midfielder Kevin de Bruyne.
Any deal for Bellingham could extend long into the future, with the midfielder expected to sign fresh terms at Dortmund until 2025.
The 17-year-old had an outstanding first season in Germany after arriving from Birmingham City last summer, making 29 times Bundesliga appearances.
He also appeared as a substitute in England’s opener Euros win over Croatia last weekend, becoming the youngest-ever player to appear at a European Championship.