Former Manchester United midfielder Jose Kleberson believes that Chelsea is the best fit for Erling Haaland, amid transfer rumours surrounding the Norwegian striker. It comes as Thomas Tuchel looks to find a goal scoring touch at Stamford Bridge, with club record signing Romelu Lukaku struggling for form.
The Belgian made the £100million move to Chelsea last summer, touted as the missing piece of Tuchel’s European Champions. However, with just five goals in the Premier League for the Blues this season, he has failed to live up to those lofty expectations.
A number of injuries have kept the 28-year-old out of action, while a controversial interview made it tough for him to stay out of the spotlight and back into the goals. Lukaku has since been utilised off the bench, with Kai Havertz often the preferred choice.
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Discussing the struggles of the striker back in February, Tuchel said: “It is sometimes like this with strikers if they struggle a bit with self-confidence, if they struggle a little bit to find the space and to get involved against a good defensive side. It can be like this and it is of course not what we want and of course not what Romelu wants. But it is also not the time to laugh about him and make jokes about him. He is in the spotlight of course and we will protect him because he is our player."
However, with the lack of goals a pressing issue in Chelsea’s pursuit of a Premier League title, former midfielder Kleberson has backed the Blues to sign Haaland. Speaking to Paddy Power, he said: “Erling Haaland is a real goal machine. Chelsea would suit Haaland best. City play a bit differently and Manchester United have too many players and play a different style that wouldn’t suit him.
“Chelsea play a bit faster and the ball would get up to him quicker than the other teams. I don’t think Romelu Lukaku will stay for the next season so Haaland can go in and be the replacement. Chelsea really like those kinds of players who are strong and hold the ball up and he can be so dangerous in the box as well.”
Whether Chelsea could sign the 21-year-old is another question, with the Blues unable to conduct transfer business while under their current sporting licence amid sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich. It also remains to be seen whether he is a plausible option, with a number of clubs linked for a potential move.
