Erling Haaland advice tees up another attacking Chelsea transfer as well-informed director initiates pursuit
Chelsea have become contenders for the signature of an RB Leipzig attacking midfielder who has already obtained advice from Erling Haaland, according to a trusted reporter.
Over the past couple of transfer windows, Chelsea have been ferocious in terms of their spending. In terms of attackers or wingers alone, they have brought in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Datro Fofana, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and loanee Joao Felix.
Graham Potter now has an embarrassment of options to work with in the final third. That said, Chelsea may still need to invest in a reliable out-and-out centre-forward.
But their need for supporting players should have decreased. That said, they are now being linked with yet another attacking midfielder.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are the latest team to take an interest in RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai. Their interest stems from technical director Christopher Vivell, who previously worked for Szoboszlai’s former clubs, RB Salzburg and Leipzig.
Jacobs revealed to Caught Offside: “Dominik Szoboszlai has been periodically linked with a variety of top Premier League clubs. Chelsea are the latest.
“And it’s true they have sent scouts to watch him. Chelsea’s technical director Christopher Vivell is a big fan and knows him well from his own time at Leipzig.
“There’s no guarantee Leipzig will sell this summer unless the release clause is triggered. Szoboszlai is contracted until 2026.
“Chelsea also have to work out where he fits. Fortunately, Szoboszlai is extremely versatile. But adding a playmaker or attacking midfielder isn’t exactly Chelsea’s top priority given how many options they have in this area.
“And the fact Szoboszlai can play left-wing doesn’t help either given Mykhaylo Mudryk only just arrived in January and Raheem Sterling is committed to Chelsea and deemed very important to the project.
“Chelsea really need a defensive midfielder and some outgoings first before they strengthen further up the field.”
If he is to move from Leipzig to Chelsea, Szoboszlai could do so at the same time as teammate, Christopher Nkunku.
Newcastle also show interest in Chelsea target Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai, who is a member of the Hungarian national team, could have other options to consider if he is to leave Leipzig. Indeed, Jacobs has added Newcastle into contention for a transfer.
Interestingly, the 22-year-old is said to have spoken to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland about a Premier League transfer.
Jacobs continued: “Atletico Madrid have also looked at Szoboszlai (and held an interest dating back to his Salzburg days), as have Newcastle, who would still like to strengthen their midfield and are exploring lots of options.
“I am told Szoboszlai has spoken in some detail about life in England to his close friend Erling Haaland, who he was at Salzburg with. They FaceTime still.”
Szoboszlai has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig this season. During that time, he has contributed 13 assists and five goals.
Across his whole spell with the club, there have been 15 of his goals and 22 of his assists within 77 appearances.
