Kai Havertz to Chelsea transfer latest: What we know so far about interest in the £70m Bayer Leverkusen star
Chelsea have already been busy in the transfer market - and there could be more high-profile signings to follow.
Frank Lampard and the Blues have moved quickly to sign Ajax's Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig's Timo Werner to bolster their attacking options for next season.
But Lampard is still on the lookout for players who can turn his team into potential Premier League title challengers - and Kai Havertz is one of those names on his shortlist.
The Bayer Leverkusen star has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, but Chelsea have recent form in major transfer coups having signed Werner from under Liverpool's noses.
Here's what we know so far...
How far does Chelsea's interest extend?
Standard Sport understands that Chelsea are set to press ahead with a move for Havertz after his season ended with Leverkusen's German Cup Final defeat to Bayern Munich.
Lampard has identified Havertz as one of his top targets, and Chelsea’s pursuit of the 21-year-old has been given a boost after Bayern pulled out of the race to sign him.
Are Leverkusen willing to sell?
The Bundesliga club's likelihood of selling Havertz has increased after they missed out on Champions League qualification. That financial shortfall along with the impact of the coronavirus shutdown could speed up a sale, but Leverkusen are clear they will not let their prized asset leave on the cheap.
Leverkusen boss Peter Wosz said in late June: "I don't feel that he is thinking too much about transferring. Neither are we.
"He is still under contract with us and I have to assume that he will be with us next season too. That will include the German Cup final next month and the next Europa League game against Rangers in August."
Leverkusen's managing director Fernando Caro also said in mid-June: "I see that many clubs are interested in him [Havertz]. I see the player’s desire to take the next step in the near future."
So, while Leverkusen's hierarchy are saying all the right things about keeping him, it appears clear they would entertain the right offer.
So, how much would Havertz cost?
It is thought that Chelsea value Havertz at around £70m, though Standard Sport understands Leverkusen had valued him at closer to £90m back in April when United were considering him as an alternative to Jadon Sancho.
Does Havertz want to move to Chelsea?
Havertz is set to hold talks with Leverkusen about his future in the coming days - and a move to the Premier League appears to be on his mind.
Havertz's Leverkusen team-mate Wendell said: "If he goes to the Premier League, he will learn a lot. I think Kai dreams of playing there.
"He has that desire. If he decides to play in England, he will be a success."
The fact that Werner and Havertz are friends at national team level with Germany could aid any potential deal, while Antonio Rudiger has also talked up his compatriot.
Which other clubs want Havertz?
Real Madrid and Liverpool have both shown an interest in Havertz, while Manchester United are also interested - but their priority for now is signing Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
Had the Covid-19 pandemic not impacted finances, United may have pushed ahead with potential bids for both Sancho and Havertz - but unless Ole Gunnar Solskjaer views the latter as a player he cannot afford to miss out on, Chelsea may have a free run at signing him this summer.
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