Chelsea are considering a move for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak as an alternative to Erling Haaland, with Thomas Tuchel having worked with him at Borussia Dortmund.
The blues have made signing a new number nine their major priority this summer but look set to miss out on Haaland, who will stay at Dortmund for one more season, so have had to draw up a new list of transfer targets.
Isak is one of the highest-rated young strikers in Europe and has been impressive at Euro 2020 for Sweden, while Arsenal are also rumoured to be keen to sign the player from Sociedad.
AS claim that the Gunners are not the only Premier League team interested in Isak, with Chelsea also following the player closely and considering making an offer.
However, Isak will not come cheap, with Sociedad adamant he will not be sold for less than his £60m buyout clause; Dortmund did have a £25m buyback agreement, but the Spanish club have bought that out as they look to land a huge fee.
Chelsea manager Tuchel knows Isak from their time in Germany, though they only worked together briefly with the striker’s arrival actually a point of conflict between the coach and Dortmund’s board.
Tuchel had not been informed of Isak’s arrival in January 2017, and he would leave the club just a few months later, though he was appreciative of his ability and talent.
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‘Alex is a very strong striker, who can play with his back toward goal and is strong in the combination,’ said Tuchel at the time. ‘He scores a lot of goals, so it is great to have him here.
‘The signing of Isak makes perfect sense. This gives the club a long-term solution for the position of striker. Isak is a very talented player.
‘We needed someone behind [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang following Adrian Ramos’ departure. It is completely logical for BVB to bring in a youngster for that role.’
Isak has thrived in La Liga with Real Sociedad and scored 17 goals last campaign, while he was named Star of the Match in Sweden’s victory over Slovakia at Euro 2020 recently.
Sociedad are hoping to convince the swedish star to remain at the club this summer, though they are aware of the interest in him and have already informed his entourage that his clause will need to be paid if he is to leave the club
Chelsea are eager to sign a new goalscorer, with Timo Werner having struggled to convert chances in his first campaign at Stamford Bridge.
