Tuchel to use £150 million Chelsea war chest for striking powerhouse

Chelsea’s smooth and well oiled clean sheet machine hit a rather big bump at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

After a calamitous break down in communication between Jorginho and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arsenal seized on the error leading to Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang squaring the ball for Emile Smith Rowe to pass into an empty net.

It was enough for the Gunners to secure a 1-0 win and a domestic double over the Blues, piling the pressure on Tuchel’s side in their bid to secure a top-four finish.

The Blues face two vital matches against Leicester City, one being this weekend’s FA Cup final followed by a vital Premier League match, which could secure or damage either side’s Champions League hopes.

While it was a defensive mix-up that cost Chelsea against Mikel Arteta’s side, the likes of Kai Havertz and Olivier Giroud both had huge chances to equalise or even win the contest for the west Londoners.

Creating and finishing chances has been an Achilles heel to Chelsea since Tuchel took over, who have had to rely on their defensive nous rather than their attacking ruthlessness to secure victories.

While it has worked most of the time, it is a risky strategy and that was demonstrated on Wednesday night.

However, Tuchel is reportedly set to be given a £150 million war chest in this summer’s transfer window and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland is set to be the main man on Chelsea’s radar, according to the Mirror.

Haaland has 25 goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances.

The Norwegian striker has entrenched himself as one of the best strikers in world football today and all of the biggest clubs in Europe are scurrying to secure his signature.

At only 20, he is as much of a player for the future as well as the present, and with many developing and experiential years ahead of him, the world is his oyster.

Dortmund are still determined to retain the former RB Salzburg striker and this was reinforced by BVB CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke.

“I have the clear expectation that Erling Haaland will play for us next year,” he told Sport Bild. “And I don’t waste any thoughts on anything else.”

While the Germans sound determined to keep their prized asset, it could be very difficult to say no if a huge offer comes in, and if Tuchel is afforded £150 million to put his rubber stamp on the Blues, then Chelsea could be the club to beat for Haaland’s signature.