Ben Guest
Chelsea are reportedly ‘confident’ of completing a deal to sign Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Blues have already embarked on an ambitious summer rebuild following the confirmed captures of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, with Havertz seemingly next on the club’s radar.
The Germany international has attracted the attention of a number of clubs across Europe, including the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Liverpool, but according to The Guardian, Chelsea are now the ‘only club in the running’.
Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen have set a €90 million (£81m) asking price for the 21-year-old, though Chelsea are said to be ‘confident’ of agreeing a deal, reportedly willing to offer an initial fee of €80m (£72m) with the inclusion of a number of add-ons.
Havertz is said to have his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge and has already informed Leverkusen of his desire to join the Premier League side, who secured a fourth-placed finish and subsequent Champions League football with their 2-0 win over Wolves on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the report adds that Chelsea are also set to step up their search for a new goalkeeper after a wholly underwhelming campaign from Blues number one, Kepa Arrizabalaga, the club-record signing dropped for their final game of the season in favour of veteran ‘keeper Willy Caballero.
Chelsea are said to be keen on a number of goalkeeping targets, including Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Ajax’s Andre Onana, though the latter would represent a much cheaper option with Atletico said to be demanding the full €120m release clause for the Slovenian stopper.
Frank Lampard is also keen on strengthening in defence, especially at left-back, with Leicester’s Ben Chilwell said to be his primary target, while Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax would represent a cheaper alternative.
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