Chelsea and Manchester City handed blow in pursuit of world class striker

Several of Europe’s biggest clubs will be counting down the days until the January transfer window opens, and one of the world’s most talented strikers is once again in the shop window. 

Erling Braut Haaland was heavily linked with a number of clubs over the summer, but ultimately stayed put with Borussia Dortmund.

The Norwegian has a release clause that becomes active next summer however, and his current employers may opt to sell the player in January to avoid losing him for free months later.

Manchester City and Chelsea are among the clubs who continue to be linked with the player, despite the Blues’ capture of £100 million striker Romelu Lukaku.

Boss Thomas Tuchel answered questions about the Norway international in a recent press conference, and admitted that the player is spoken about at the club and that he was open to the possibility of having both Lukaku and Haaland.

City, meanwhile, were linked throughout the summer with both Haaland and Harry Kane, but ended up empty handed when the window slammed shut and will likely continue their search for a striker in January.

Haaland has scored 13 goals in 10 games this season

Now, however, it looks like both clubs could have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of Haaland.

According to Manchester Evening News, Dortmund are quietly confident of keeping hold of their prized asset and have no plans to sell him.

The Bundesliga side’s head of football, Sebastian Kehl, has wagered a measly sum that the player will stay put in Dortmund.

“Of course, we are trying to give him the feeling that Borussia Dortmund continues to be a top address for him and that he can still develop here,” he said.

“The decision has not yet been made, but I would bet 100 euros (on him staying).”

Kehl’s words will give little confidence to City boss Pep Guardiola, who has made clear his intentions to sign a striker after failing to replace Sergio Aguero.

The 21-year-old’s release clause is believed to be around £64 million, a cut-price fee for a striker who has scored 70 goals in 69 games for the German side since joining in January 2020.