Transfer News: Chelsea closing in on Kai Havertz capture

Chelsea are closing in on the capture of Bayer Leverkusen superstar Kai Havertz, who is keen to join the camp at Stamford Bridge this summer.

According to The Guardian, Chelsea have moved one step closer towards the signing of Kai Havertz. The Bayer Leverkusen playmaker is seemingly keen on moving to Stamford Bridge, with the Blues already stepping up their efforts to finalise a deal this summer. Negotiations are set pick up pace this week.

Leverkusen were previously holding out for an asking fee of €90 million for Havertz. However, Chelsea believe they can get the deal done for €80 million, although that could include add-ons and other bonuses. The Blues are pretty much the only club still in the running, in the chase to sign the German international.

But having signed high-profile players like Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner this summer, Frank Lampard must make some sacrifices in order to fund a move for Havertz. The Blues are seemingly keen on offloading Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has failed to live up to his hefty price-tag, after arriving from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.

Pedro is another player set to leave Stamford Bridge while Willian has recently been linked with a free transfer to Arsenal. It should clear up some substantial space in the attacking department, allowing Lampard to build his squad around the likes of Havertz, Werner, Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount.

The acquisition of Havertz, however, could still create conflicts in the final third, especially with Mount, Ziyech and him competing for the same role. Should Ziyech get deployed out wide, then the future of Callum Hudson-Odoi could be in doubt after the youngster’s disappointing campaign under Lampard.

Nevertheless, a move to Chelsea could be a step in the right direction for Havertz. The Blues are building something really exciting under Lampard and it has been reflected in their ambition in the ongoing summer transfer window.

However, one could argue that a move to Bayern Munich could have offered Havertz with better prospects. But, given how the Bavarians’ transfer policy has come under tight scrutiny, it only seems fitting that the club will back down from the pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen ace this summer. Instead, they have signed Manchester City’s Leroy Sane.

As for Chelsea, Lampard’s attack-minded vision could certainly spark into life next season, thanks to the combination of Werner, Ziyech, Havertz and other superstars. But, the Chelsea manager must also tend towards his side’s defensive issues, with the club letting in more goals than any other side in the top half of the league table.