Rival legend claims Chelsea are one of two clubs who can afford to sign in-demand European goalscorer

Paul Scholes thinks Chelsea can afford to sign Erling Haaland

According to news from Daily Mail, Paul Scholes feels that Chelsea are among the two clubs that can actually afford Erling Haaland.

The former former Premier League midfielder was of the opinion that Chelsea and Manchester United have the necessary finances to stump up a move for Haaland.

The Norwegian hitman has taken Europe by storm with his goal-scoring exploits for RedBull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund. In 51 outings for Dortmund, he has scored 49 goals. Chelsea have held an interest in the player for a while now and could look to move for him this summer.

Dortmund’s Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland warms up ahead the German first division Bundesliga football match between SC Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund in Freiburg, southwestern Germany, on February 6, 2021. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

There is a £65m release clause in his contract, which activates only in 2022. Nonetheless, the German club could cash in on the 20-year-old this summer by demanding a figure of around £150m. His agent, Mino Raiola is doing all he can to secure a lucrative move for his client by offering him to several elite clubs. (h/t Daily Mail)

Speaking after Manchester United’s Europa League game, Paul Scholes felt that only two clubs can afford Haaland and the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona cannot throw that kind of money. (h/t Daily Mail)

Leicester City v Manchester United, ManU – Premier League – King Power Stadium Former Manchester United player and BT commentator Paul Scholes ahead of the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. Copyright: xMichaelxReganx 57282162

“I think it’s about who can afford him. Real Madrid and Barcelona, all the noises you hear they can’t afford to pay that kind of money. Manchester City don’t look like they want to pay that type of money.

“And to be fair, Guardiola barely plays with a number nine. He’s a player United and Chelsea would be desperate for. I think they will be the two clubs who can probably afford him.”

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Chelsea have the financial clout to pull off the deal but in all honesty, it would be far too big of a transfer fee for a 20-year-old. There is interest from a lot of clubs but only a few, in this climate, can actually afford to spend that much as Scholes said.