Transfer Talk: Dortmund expect Haaland to become a City slicker

Borussia Dortmund are expecting Erling Haaland to join Manchester City this summer in a move that would make him the Premier League’s highest-paid player.

The 21-year-old has scored an incredible 80 goals in 81 games for BVB since completing his switch from FC Salzburg in 2020 but has been widely tipped to move on at the end of the season.

City and Real Madrid have been considered the two frontrunners for the scoring sensation, who has a £63million release clause which becomes active in June.

The Norwegian’s camp are said to have been deliberating over which of the pair to choose, with both willing to match the fee.

And the Times now say Haaland’s current employers fully expect their star forward to head to the Etihad to join Pep Guardiola’s men.

The financial incentives the Abu Dhabi-owned club are willing to offer are said to be a deciding factor, with wages upwards of £500,000 per week being touted.

That would make him the highest-paid player in English football and, in turn, would solve the striker issues that have threatened to derail the Citizens’ title bid this term.

Matthias Sammer, a former Dortmund midfielder who is now a consultant at the club, hinted on German television that City were indeed leading the race for Haaland's signature.

Sammer said: "I didn't hear anything today, yesterday, the day before yesterday. I know City are after him. 

"The numbers — I had whiplash! I passed out. My wife picked me up again. Accordingly, it is possible."

That looks set to count Real out of the race, with Marca reporting that a move to Spain is now only possible if Haaland reduces his salary demands.

In other news

German outlet Bild say defender Antonio Rudiger had agreed a new contract to remain at Chelsea before Roman Abramovich was hit with sanctions by the UK government.

It is indicated the 29-year-old could now join Premier League rivals Manchester United, with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus also keen.

Arsenal are ready to make another attempt to sign midfielder Houssem Aouar from Lyon, according to Calciomercato.

The Gunners wanted to sign the French international last summer and now face competition from Inter Milan and Juventus for his signature.

TEAMtalk claim West Ham will offer Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette a contract this summer.

The 30-year-old is a free agent at the end of the current campaign and the Hammers will reportedly put forward a lucrative deal to put them at the front of the queue.