Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to push the button on a deal for Erling Haaland, it has been claimed.
Thomas Tuchel’s side won the Champions League last season.
But, with Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham looking to depart, it looks as though they’re prepared to go after the Norway international with everything they’ve got.
Chelsea have regularly spent big ever since Abramovich took charge back in 2003.
And they could now be about to do the same, with Haaland being targeted now the summer transfer window is open.
The Borussia Dortmund star is one of the world’s hottest talents, especially after bagging 40 goals across all competitions last term.
And, now, journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed on The Football Terrace podcast that Abramovich is ready to ‘push the button’ when it comes to bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
“This is probably going to be the story of the summer,” O’Rourke said.
“Chelsea aren’t going away in their pursuit of Erling Haaland, despite Borussia Dortmund’s best attempts to say that he’ll remain at the club next season.
“Roman Abramovich has taken a personal interest in this transfer, he’s the one willing to delve into his pockets and pay whatever it takes to get him out of Borussia Dortmund.
“And that’s the real encouraging signs for Chelsea that this deal could happen.
“Abramovich is ready to push the button and say here we go, we’ve got the money let’s put the bid into Dortmund and see how they respond.”
And he then added: “If somebody comes in with an offer of £175million, they’re not going to turn it down.
“They’re willing to go close to that mark and Abramovich really wants him at Stamford Bridge next season.”
Manchester United also have longstanding interest in Haaland.
However, their decision to tie Edinson Cavani down to a new contract means they’re now looking at strengthening other areas of their squad instead.
La Liga pair Real Madrid and Barcelona are also admirers.
But neither club has the money at the current moment in time, with the coronavirus crisis impacting them off the pitch.
Bayern Munich have been mooted as potential suitors but Dortmund don’t want to lose another key player to their fierce rivals, especially after seeing the likes of Mario Gotze, Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels to move to the Allianz Arena.