The Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made it his personal mission to secure the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland this summer.

German outlet Bild report that Abramovich is ‘apparently serious’ about the striker.

BVB bosses have repeatedly stated the Norway international will continue at the club next season and even though a summer transfer has been ruled out, Thomas Tuchel’s side are not letting him go.

‘Giving up is no alternative’ for the Russian billionaire and the report says he has released funds of around €175m to bring the 20-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

Reports emerged on Monday that Chelsea were stepping up their pursuit of Haaland, with Blues bosses believed to be preparing a massive bid for the 20-year-old.

The Independent, citing a report from former Norway striker Jan Age Fjortoft, says Chelsea are set to lodge a bid for Haaland which is big enough to bring Dortmund to the table.

The German club are reluctant to let him go, but would give serious thought to an offer in the region of £150m, which would be a Premier League transfer record if a deal were to be completed.