Chelsea ‘unlikely’ to sign Erling Haaland this summer ‘because the price tag is so big’

CHELSEA are 'unlikely' to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland this summer, according to a top journalist.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a prolific season in front of goal, scoring 41 goals across all competitions.

And his phenomenal form has drawn interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Champions League winners Chelsea.

But according to respected German journalist Raphael Honigstein, Chelsea most likely won't make a move for Haaland due to his high price tag and the wages he would command.

Speaking on Sky Sports Transfer Centre, he said: "There is a possibility but it’s unlikely at this point because the price tag is so big.

“There is also a huge wage bill implication for whoever gets Haaland.

"They’d have to smash their wage bill and I think a lot of clubs are wary [of that].

“Haaland is available next season for a fairly reasonable 75m euros – that’s not official but it’s a pretty open secret.

“Whatever happens this season, it would really have to force Dortmund’s hand in a way that they can’t say no.

"I think that could be even beyond the wealthiest clubs in Europe this summer.”

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As Honigstein stated, Haaland is available for around £64m next summer due to a release clause in his contract which starts in the 2022.

And this could mean Chelsea, as well as other top clubs, wait one more season to pounce on the highly rated striker.

A move for Haaland being put on pause could be a good thing for Timo Werner as he gets another season to impress his new boss Thomas Tuchel.