Paper Talk: Abramovich sanctions double Chelsea raid for Dortmund sensations; Arsenal want £21m Porto winger
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to push through a double deal for two Borussia Dortmund stars, while Thursday’s transfer gossip has claims that Arsenal want a £21m Porto winger.
ABRAMOVICH EYE DOUBLE DORTMUND RAID
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 Roman Abramovich 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.
Bellingham race hots up
Abramovich also wants to strengthen relations with Dortmund ahead of what is anticipated to be a hotly contested race to sign starlet Bellingham.
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.
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ARSENAL TRACKING PORTO ATTACKER
Arsenal are among the clubs chasing Porto’s Jesus Corona this summer. (Daily Mail)
Tottenham are targeting a summer move for Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey but the Seagulls want £50m. (Daily Mail)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum revealed her son will play for another three years – as his club future remains up in the air. (The Sun)
Crystal Palace are planning talks with coach Lucien Favre – the Swiss Roy Hodgson. (The Sun)
Barcelona star Memphis Depay has confirmed he wants to play for Ronald Koeman at Barcelona. (The Sun)
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TRIPPIER FEARS MAN UTD TRANSFER BLOW
Kieran Trippier fears that Atletico Madrid will price him out of a dream move to Manchester United this summer. (The Times)
Liverpool will turn their attention to Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. (Daily Mirror)
Rafa Benitez is confident he is about to become one of the most astonishing appointments in Everton history. (Daily Mirror)
Harry Maguire has given Gareth Southgate and England a major Euros boost by declaring himself fit for Scotland. (Daily Mirror)
PSG, Manchester City, Manchester United and Sevilla are the four possible destinations for outgoing Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. (BBC Gossip)
Kingsley Coman wants a move to the Premier League after turning down a new contract at Bayern Munich. (Sky Sports)
MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United’s Donny van der Beek would love a ‘dream’ move to Barcelona. (Daily Star)
Arsenal target Martin Odegaard will remain at Real Madrid next season, according to reports. (Daily Star)
Chelsea have reportedly identified James Maddison as a potential replacement for Hakim Ziyech if he leaves. (Daily Star)
Stephen Glass has broken his silence on the Lewis Ferguson transfer row. He’s made it clear the player will only leave Aberdeen if their valuation is met. (Daily Record)
Birmingham City have agreed a deal to sign freed Rangers youngster Brian Kinnear. (Daily Record)
Livingston are closing in on a loan move for Rangers youngster Ben Williamson. (Daily Record)
Inverness are closing in on a deal to sign winger Michael Gardyne. (Daily Record)
Kieran Tierney admits it’s “touch and go” whether he’ll be fit to face England. (Scottish Sun)
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