Manchester City are reportedly planning to beat Real Madrid to the signing of Borussia Dortmund goalscorer Erling Haaland in the summer.
According to The Athletic, Manchester City are ready to up the ante in their pursuit of Erling Haaland as they hope to convince the Borussia Dortmund striker to snub Real Madrid in favour of a move to Etihad in the summer.
One of the most prolific strikers in the game currently, Haaland is widely expected to leave Dortmund in the summer when his €75 million release clause comes into effect. Top clubs across Europe are lining up to sign him up at the end of the season, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain all interested, along with Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Manchester City signed Julian Alvarez from River Plate on the January transfer deadline day before loaning him out to his former club for the rest of the season. Despite the addition of the Argentine prodigy, the Cityzens remain in the market for another prolific striker, considering that they failed to replace Sergio Aguero in the summer of last year.
Gabriel Jesus has done fairly well this season but has been more effective in his new role on the right side rather than playing through the middle. Pep Guardiola’s side has still managed to do exceedingly well, utilising Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden in the false-nine role, but need an infallible goalscorer to take the next step in their pursuit of European glory.
Having chased Harry Kane throughout the summer last year, Manchester City have shifted their focus to Haaland now and have made him a top priority. However, they are set to face intense competition from Real Madrid, who have also been pushing to land the Norwegian international.
Real Madrid are on the verge of completing the capture of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer, having agreed a contract with the Frenchman already. But with Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard likely to leave at the end of the season, the Frenchman could be utilised in the wide role while Los Blancos look for a marquee striker to take over from the ageing Karim Benzema in the centre-forward position.
Given Haaland’s exploits for Dortmund over the past couple of years, the 21-year-old becomes very much an appealing target for president Florentino Perez as he looks to build another Galactico strikeforce consisting of Haaland, Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. And, as per the report, the Norwegian himself prefers a move to Real Madrid.
However, Manchester City hope to convince Haaland to change his stance and lure him to the Etihad Stadium. The chance of playing for Guardiola is certain to appeal, while the Mancunian giants are guaranteed to challenge for trophies year after year. So, it will be interesting to see if Haaland decides to snub Real Madrid in favour of a switch to the Premier League champions.
