Chelsea Make Haaland Contact.

Chelsea have opened discussions over a move for Erling Braut Haaland despite an acceptance it could prove difficult to achieve.

Borussia Dortmund have stated they do not wish to sell their coveted centre forward this summer but the ambitious Haaland is open to taking the next step up in his career.

A move to the European champions under a coach such as Thomas Tuchel appeals to Haaland but the full cost could be close to £170million.

Chelsea have opened discussions over a move for Erling Haaland for a staggering £170million

Thomas Tuchel has made it clear he wants to sign a prolific striker in the transfer window

Chelsea have players who could be offered in negotiations including £40m-rated Tammy Abraham and his name has been raised in initial talks.

Tuchel has made it clear to Marina Granovskaia and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich that he believes a prolific centre forward is paramount to Chelsea’s progress and to mounting a sustained challenge to Manchester City.

A number have been under consideration but Haaland’s profile and age push him towards the top of the list.

The Blues could offer Dortmund £40m-rated Tammy Abraham as part of the deal for Haaland

A move for Harry Kane from fierce rivals Tottenham is deemed too difficult while Romelu Lukaku said last week that he wished to stay with Inter Milan.

Haaland is wanted by all of Europe’s top clubs and Dortmund say the 20-year-old will stay for next season. However, that won’t stop Chelsea testing their resolve for the Norwegian who scored 40 goals last season, as they continue to receive encouragement from the player’s camp.

Haaland’s wages will also be high with his agent Mino Raiola expected to ask for at least £300,000 a week but Chelsea are in a strong position compared to some of their rivals.

Dortmund have yet to acknowledge whether they have an interest in signing Abraham but they have begun to look for Haaland’s replacement mindful of the clamour for his signature.

Haaland’s wages will be high with his agent Mino Raiola expected to ask for at least £300,000

They had intended to utilise funds generated by the expected sale of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United.

The fee for Sancho will be substantial though it is unclear whether the Old Trafford club can meet Dortmund’s £80million plus valuation without a staggered payment structure.

Chelsea face a busy summer as Tuchel looks to re-shape his squad. As well as a centre forward, he would like more options at centre back, centre midfield and right wing-back while around 14 players could leave either on loan or on permanent transfer.

Chelsea youngster Pierre Ekwah is joining West Ham after a successful trial. The fee for the 19-year-old French defender could reach £1.2m and contains a sell-on clause.