Manchester City are reportedly set to hijack Chelsea's move for Erling Haaland this summer, despite Borussia Dortmund's not for sale stance.
Haaland, who is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world right now, has bagged a staggering 57 goals in 59 matches for Dortmund since joining from RB Salzburg in January 2020.
And that form hasn't gone unnoticed, either, with Chelsea in the driving seat to secure his sought-after signature - but City boss Pep Guardiola has asked his club to make a move, too.
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The Norwegian talisman is believed to be Chelsea's number one transfer target before the new Premier League season as Thomas Tuchel looks to bring in a new poacher.
With transfer speculation running high, Dortmund's sporting director has laughed off reports that Haaland is leaving, despite being an absentee on the first day of pre-season training on Monday.
"Erling is already in England," the sporting director jokingly told Sky Germany on Monday after it became apparent that Haaland would not be reporting to training.
Speaking over the weekend to Bild about Haaland's future, Zorc added: "Nothing has changed. We are firmly planning with Erling for the new season."
Alongside Chelsea's interest in Haaland, City are also on the hunt for a new striker, following the departure of Sergio Aguero to Barcelona in June.
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Guardiola's main priority, however, is said to remain with wantaway Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, with City making a £100m bid to sign him last month.
It's been reported that Haaland's release clause, which becomes active in 2022, is in the region of £68m - but Chelsea and City are said to not be keen on waiting until then to make a move for the young prodigy.
Both clubs, however, will have their work cut out with Dortmund notoriously stubborn when it comes to transfer dealings, but a bid of £150m may just twist their arm. So, who will it be - Chelsea or City? Only time will tell.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Chelsea, Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund
