Chelsea still wanted Erling Haaland transfer ‘a few weeks ago but switched to Lukaku as Dortmund refused to negotiate’

CHELSEA were still trying to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland until a few weeks ago - but had to switch to Romelu Lukaku.

That is according to , who report that the Blues turned their attention to Lukaku after Dortmund refused to negotiate over Haaland.

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The Norway international looks set to stay at the Signal Iduna Park for one more season.

Lukaku, on the other hand, landed in London on Wednesday and rejoined the west Londoners a day later for a club record £97.5million fee from Inter Milan.

The star striker, 28, put pen to paper on a five-year deal and said he is "happy and blessed" to be returning to Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku said: "I’m happy and blessed to be back at this wonderful club.

"It’s been a long journey for me. I came here as a kid who had a lot to learn, now I’m coming back with a lot of experience and more mature.

"The relationship I have with this club means so much to me, as you know.

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"I have supported Chelsea as a kid and now to be back and try to help them win more titles is an amazing feeling."

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been wanting a world class striker throughout the summer transfer window and he finally got his man.

The Champions League winners had been targeting a number of names, such as Tottenham superstar Harry Kane.

Haaland was also on top of Tuchel's list but the European Super Cup winners will have to wait until next year for another bid.

That is because the star striker's contract with Dortmund includes a clause that means he will be available for just £65m in the summer of 2022.

Manchester United and Manchester City have also been keeping tabs on the 21-year-old.

The same goes for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

⚽ Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

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