Serie A chief confirms Chelsea transfer; ends Tottenham, Arsenal hopes over separate deal
AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has confirmed a transfer between his side and Chelsea is imminent, though he did dash Arsenal and Tottenham hopes of landing a midfield enforcer.
Chelsea were crowned European champions last season despite none of their recognised strikers hitting their stride. Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner joint-top scored across all competitions, though their modest tally was just 12 goals.
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As such, the Blues are understood to be on the hunt for an elite level striker. Erling Haaland has frequently been mentioned, though prising him away from Dortmund will be doubly difficult after already losing Jadon Sancho this summer.
A huge bid for an Italy forward was recently turned down, indicating the club’s search has broadened.
A major outlay is expected regardless of who Chelsea land, and as such, current striker exits are expected.
And per Milan legend Maldini – now a club director – that is precisely what will soon happen.
Via trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, Maldini told DAZN: “Olivier Giroud will arrive tomorrow and he’ll be our new signing.”
With the French veteran soon to arrive, one school of thought was that an exit to offset the financial outlay may occur.
Tottenham and Arsenal have both been linked with midfield general Franck Kessie in recent weeks. However, Maldini has laid to rest their faint hopes of bringing the Ivory Coast international to England.
“Franck Kessié will stay as he’s part of our future, we’re working to extend his contract,” added Maldini.
Abramovich gets serious over Haaland pursuit
Meanwhile, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has handed his club a nine-figure transfer kitty to properly begin their pursuit of Haaland, a report claims.
While a £64million release clause activates in Haaland’s contract next summer, Abramovich anticipates a major transfer battle.
Instead, he has planned a £150million bid this summer to make sure Chelsea win the race for a generational talent.
Now, Bild (via Sport Witness) reports that the club chief has cleared around €175million (£150million) for Chelsea to spend on the transfer.
Previous reports have claimed that Abramovich believes that Dortmund will have no option but to accept that offer.
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