Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has urged his old club to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad this summer, a transfer that would deal Chelsea a blow in their pursuit of an alternative to Erling Haaland.
Chelsea enjoyed a fairytale ending to the 2020/21 campaign, lifting their second-ever Champions League trophy after defeating Manchester City in Porto last month.
Despite their successes last season, Thomas Tuchel is looking to bring in some fresh faces to the Blues’ squad, with the German coach reportedly wanting to secure three new names before the transfer window shuts on August 31.
One of the names that is constantly linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge is Borussia Dortmund frontman, Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian international has bagged 57 goals in 59 games for the German side and with Dortmund desperate to keep the mercurial forward he would likely command a fee in excess of £100million this summer.
Haaland’s large valuation is likely to put the Blues off, with Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak seen as a more realistic alternative, according to the Metro.
Isak has enjoyed two productive seasons in front of goal since his £13.5million move in the summer of 2019, netting 33 goals across two seasons for Sociedad.
The 21-year-old’s impressive displays also earned him a place in Sweden’s Euro 2020 squad, starting both of their opening fixtures against Spain and Slovakia.
Isak briefly played under Tuchel at Dortmund before making the switch to Spain and his rare blend of clever movement, electric pace and deadly finishing could make him the perfect Haaland alternative for the Blues this summer.
However, former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has urged the Reds to deal Chelsea a blow in their pursuit for Isak and make a move for him themselves.
“I know him very well because he play for Real Sociedad,” the Spaniard wrote on Instagram. “He is a top player, definitely I will sign him and is really young so hopefully we can go for him if we can’t go for Haaland or someone like that.”
Arsenal have also been named as a potential suitor for the 21-year-old, with the Swede topping the Gunners’ list of targets if they offload a striker this summer, according to the Athletic.
In a bid to turn themselves back into a more competitive force, football.london understands that Mikel Arteta’s men are hoping to draft in at least five new players this summer.