Chelsea striker rumors: Erling Haaland, Romelu Lukaku, Sergio Aguero, Andrea Belotti latest

Erling Braut Haaland

Erling Haaland’s entourage appear to be putting their plans in motion for securing a summer transfer for the most coveted player in world football, and their first stop was in Catalonia. According to Diario Sport, Mino Raiola, and the 20-year-old’s father, Alf Inge Haaland, have met with the Barcelona hierarchy to listen to their plans and their proposals about how Erling would fit in.

Barcelona are apparently optimistic because of the good relationship between Raiola and new Barca president, Joan Laporta. Haaland’s representatives will then hold talks with Real Madrid, before doing the same with a host of other clubs — Mundo Deportivo reports that they will next come to London to talk to Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United — and then come to a final decision about his future. (Ed.note: one does wonder why this has to be done in person and rather than Zoom in the age of COVID-19...)

Manchester City are said to be confident about eventually winning the “Haaland race” as per reports from the Athletic, the Telegraph and Daily Mail, with Chelsea and Real Madrid expected to provide strong competition. Manchester United, however, are said to be reluctant to become embroiled in a bidding war.

Romelu Lukaku

In case we fail to win the Haaland race, our first alternative remains Romelu Lukaku of Inter Milan. But according to Eurosport and Mundo Deportivo, Manchester City and Barcelona are also interested in our former prospect’s services.

Manchester City, in particular are said to have a long-standing interest in Lukaku, and just like Chelsea, are hoping that Inter Milan’s financial situation will compel them to let go of the 27-year-old, despite him being arguably their most important player.

Sergio Aguero

Another striker reportedly on Chelsea’s wish list is Sergio Aguero, currently of Manchester City and soon to be a free agent. The Citizens have announced that their legendary centre forward will leave the club in the summer after a decade-long association, and it’s no surprise that plenty of clubs are eyeing his signing once the transfer window opens.

However, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Chelsea’s interest in Aguero is not all that concrete. Barcelona were said to be one of the other interested parties, but they too seemingly prefer a younger striker, like Memphis Depay, as per Diario Sport. In recent days, a more unconventional option has also seemingly opened up for Aguero, with Record claiming that Portuguese side SL Benfica are trying their utmost best to convince him to join them.

Andrea Belotti

The latest centre forward to (re-)enter Chelsea’s rumor mill is Andrea Belotti of Torino. We were linked incessantly with Belotti back in 2017, before eventually settling on Alvaro Morata. However, according to Tuttosport (via Sempre Milan), we have rekindled our interest, and will compete with AC Milan for the 27-year-old’s signature.

Belotti has scored 11 goals, and provided a further 6 assists in 26 matches this season. His contract with Torino will expire in 2022, but he’s seemingly unwilling to renew it, and therefore, Torino are open to doing business at around €40-50m this summer.