Bayer Leverkusen are refusing to budge on their £90m valuation of Chelsea-target Kai Havertz, despite the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Havertz is regarded as one of the finest young talents in world football and has enjoyed another hugely impressive season with the Bundesliga side, though has informed Leverkusen of his desire for a new challenge following the club’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Chelsea have emerged as the leading contenders for his signature with the west London side in an enviable financial position this summer due to last year’s transfer ban as well as the €100 million recouped from the sale of Eden Hazard.
Havertz is said to be keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge and the prospect of playing in the Premier League, though according to Sky Sports, Leverkusen are refusing to hand out a ‘corona discount’ for the 21-year-old despite the dip in the transfer market this summer, their £90m valuation a figure Chelsea have been so far unwilling to match.
Leverkusen are prepared to sanction the sale of Havertz – who scored 18 goals in all competitions last season – should they receive a suitable offer, with Chelsea now tasked with structuring a deal to secure the signing of one of Europe’s most exciting talents.
Frank Lampard’s side have already strengthened significantly with the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from Ajax and RB Leipzig respectively, whilst the west London outfit remain keen to sign a new left-back, with Leicester’s Ben Chilwell reportedly their top target.
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