Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich makes transfer decision as ‘special relationship’ emerges

Chelsea: Pundit discusses Lampard and Abramovich’s 'bond'

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Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has decided to halt the club’s pursuit of Bayern Munich star David Alaba, according to reports. The Austria international will be leaving the Allianz Arena in this summer’s transfer window. And, now, Liverpool and Real Madrid have been handed a boost.

Chelsea are keen to sign Alaba as they plan for the long-term without Thiago Silva, who is entering the twilight years of his career.

The Bayern star has already confirmed he’ll be leaving the club this summer, with the Austria international keen to pursue a new challenge.

Chelsea are keen on Alaba with Thomas Tuchel looking to improve his squad at the end of the campaign.

Yet, now, Bild claim the Blues are stalling on a deal because of Abramovich – who is unwilling to meet the player’s big salary demands.

It’s claimed the Chelsea owner has a ’special relationship’ with Alaba’s agent Pini Zahavi, who is offering his client out around Europe.

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But, despite that, the west London giants aren’t willing to meet Alaba’s financial requests.

Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and PSG are also in the mix for the utility man, who has won every trophy available during his time in Bavaria.

However, it’s said only PSG have shown a willingness to meet Alaba’s demands.

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Furthermore, the player himself hasn’t decided on his next move instead – with a move to Spain appearing to be his priority.

The report says a move to Real Madrid is his ‘dream’ but he’s also open to joining Barcelona. Unfortunately, however, neither La Liga superpower can afford him at the current moment in time.

Meanwhile, speaking earlier in the month, former Chelsea star Glen Johnson urged his old side to get a deal for Alaba over the line.

“Chelsea would need Alaba the most,” he said.

“If they’re going to play with wing-backs he would be the ideal man.

“He’s an unbelievably good athlete and could play on the left of a back three. He could also play as a left wing-back.

“Alaba could fit at Liverpool. But as we’ve seen with big-money defenders, Manchester City are the club that normally do that.

“If anybody needed him to slot into their formation right now that would be Chelsea.

“I don’t think he should be walking into a club where he’s the highest paid player. Because he’s out of contract I’m sure he’s trying to get a few big teams to come to the table and go to war over him.

“I think every manager thinks differently and has their views on players that they prefer to sign.

“I think Tuchel will want to bring some players in and I think his number one target will be a striker, just like every team.”

Alaba confirmed he’d be leaving Bayern in February by saying: “I have made the decision to leave #FCBayern at the end of this season and try something new.

“It obviously wasn’t an easy decision – I’ve been here for 13 years and the club means a lot to me.”

Alaba isn’t the only player on Chelsea’s radar.

In recent times it’s emerged they’re eager to rival Europe’s elite for the signing of Erling Haaland, who has been in sensational form for Borussia Dortmund over the past year.

Yet signing the Norway international will be far from easy.

Dortmund have slapped a huge £132million price tag on their prized asset, determined to keep him at the Westfalenstadion for another year.

And the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester City are also keen to snap him up.

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