Kai Havertz hands in transfer request amid Chelsea rumours
Seeking to mount a title challenge next season, Chelsea are considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz this summer.
Kai Havertz, one of the most talked-about youngsters in European football, will reportedly request a transfer away from Bayer Leverkusen ahead of 2020/21 campaign, as per Bundesliga expert Christian Falk.
As developments suggest, Chelsea are considered to be the frontrunners for Havertz’s signature with Manchester United also placing their interest in the talented German.
True: @kaihavertz29 will ask his club @bayer04fussball to sell him this summer @ChelseaFC
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) July 8, 2020
Previously, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were in the race to sign Havertz too. However, citing financial constraints owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, both clubs have decided against bidding for Leverkusen’s number 29 this summer.
Amid the financial uncertainty surrounding almost every football club, Chelsea have been an exception thus far. They’ve spent big bucks in recruiting Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from AFC Ajax and RB Leipzig, respectively.
The finances garnered by the sales of Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata combined with zero spent last summer, due to transfer ban, have contributed towards the Blues’ prominent cash chest this time around.
Frank Lampard is said to be in search of a world-class talent who could fill the void created by Eden Hazard’s departure to Real Madrid. Kai Havertz, 21, is considered to be the ideal candidate given his sky-high potential and the age bracket – which makes the Germany international a long-term solution.
Recently, the Blues’ manager refused any official bid for Havertz, terming the youngster as a ‘top player’ and remained tight-lipped on the club’s stance on luring the attacking midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
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"No, no bids have gone in.He’s obviously a top player, but I’m certainly not going to comment on other players at other teams.And it cannot be our focus. So, nothing to say."
When asked about the number of arrivals expected at Stamford Bridge, Lampard insisted his focus lies on finishing the season strongly rather than focussing on the market.
"I don’t know, because we have the games we need to complete before the window opens.That’s something we’ll broach when it comes around. So for the minute, our only focus can be on the games in hand. (Vai: Talksport)"
Now, as things stand, Chelsea are set to place their opening bid for the German talent in the coming few days. Given how every club is optimising their economic operations in the current financial climate, Havertz’s open desire to leave will surely pare a few million from Leverkusen’s asking price.
Also, if the Blues manage to attain a Champions League spot this season, the club is set to receive around £50million in bonuses, allowing extra room to manoeuvre in the impending transfer market.
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It’s understood that the London club is keeping a close eye on how Kai Havertz situation is establishing itself in Germany. Leverkusen are said to be keen on selling their upcoming superstar and are anticipating a fee of around £80 million. However, Die Werkself could accept a lower fee given the economic climate prevalent currently.