'Haaland is already in England' - Zorc's cheeky update on Chelsea target

As Chelsea reportedly ready a ‘big offer’ for Erling Haaland, Michael Zorc reiterated Borussia Dortmund’s transfer stance on the striker.

Sporting director Michael Zorc gave a cheeky response to reporters while explaining Erling Haaland’s absence from pre-season.

The 20-year-old was absent from Borussia Dortmund’s first day of pre-season training on Monday, fueling transfer speculation linking him with a summer move to Chelsea.

According to ESPN correspondent Jan Aage Fjortoft, Chelsea could make a ‘big offer’. The Blues want a top striker and view Haaland as the perfect candidate. Therefore, they plan to test Dortmund’s resolve amid rumors the German club may accept offers of around €175 million.

But Zorc not only played down Haaland’s absence from pre-season, he also laughed off the latest transfer rumors.

“Erling is already in England,” Zorc told Sky Germany.

Re: Haaland

I understand Chelsea are preparing a “BIG offer” to check out and challenge Dortmund’s “he will stay here next season”.

The understanding is that Dortmund won’t say no to 175 million euro

— Jan Aage Fjortoft 🏳️‍🌈 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) July 12, 2021

Dortmund’s stance remains unwavering

Zorc, meanwhile, reiterated Dortmund’s determination to keep Haaland for next season. The Black and Yellows are set to lose Jadon Sancho to Manchester United and will be keen to avoid losing another star player this summer.

“Nothing has changed,” Zorc told Bild over the weekend. “We are firmly planning with Erling for the new season.”

Haaland is under contract at Dortmund until 2024, although reports have suggested he could have a buyout clause of €75 million activated for the next summer transfer window in 2022.