Kai Havertz to Chelsea transfer latest: What we know so far about interest in £70m Bundesliga star

Chelsea are hoping to continue their impressive transfer drive with the capture of another high-profile Bundesliga talent in Kai Havertz.

The Blues have already raided the German top-flight once over recent weeks to secure a £47.5million deal with RB Leipzig for prolific striker Timo Werner, who had been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

That deal came after Chelsea had previously sealed the signing of Moroccan playmaker Hakim Ziyech from Ajax as they look to significantly bolster their squad following successive windows with zero new recruits.

And while the FA Cup finalists continue to be linked with a whole host of players including Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, Havertz is the player that Frank Lampard appears most likely to add to his squad next.

Here's what we know so far...

How far does Chelsea's interest extend?

Standard Sport understands that Lampard is increasingly confident of signing Havertz, with Chelsea set to press ahead with their bid to sign the player once their place in next season's Champions League is finally secured.

Following Wednesday night's frantic 5-3 defeat at Liverpool and Manchester United'se earlier draw against West Ham, the Blues require one point from their home clash with Wolves on the final day of the season (July 26) to make sure of a spot in the top four.

Are Leverkusen willing to sell?

The Bundesliga club's likelihood of selling Havertz increased after they missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga in 2019/20 and two points shy of fourth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach.

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 Bosz 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 [which they lost 4-2 to Bayern Munich] 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.

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So, how much would Havertz cost?

Our latest information suggests that Chelsea are hoping to seal a deal for Havertz worth around £70million.

However, Standard Sport understands Leverkusen had valued him at closer to £90m back in April when Manchester United were considering him as an alternative to Jadon Sancho.

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Does Havertz want to move to Chelsea?

Standard Sport understands that Havertz will hold talks with Leverkusen this week following their return to pre-season training and ask the club to allow him to leave and join Chelsea.

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.

Former Manchester City forward Leroy Sane has also appeared to hint that a deal to take Havertz to Chelsea may already be done.

"It's good for Chelsea, that they signed two German top talents with Timo Werner and Kai Havertz this summer," he said during a press conference following his move to Bayern Munich.

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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 look to have a free run at signing him.

What has Lampard said about Havertz?

Speaking generally about Chelsea transfers, Lampard has indicated a desire to sign players who want to lay down roots at Stamford Bridge and help take the club back to the pinnacle over the longer term.

“It is not easy to scout for the actual talent but I like players who have an attitude to come and work to be a success at Chelsea; not just to pass through, not to be here because we’re in London," he said.

“I want them to want to be part of a really strong team that wants to go places.”

However, he has refused to discuss Havertz directly of late out of respect for Leverkusen

"I’m not talking about Kai Havertz, he’s a player of another team," Lampard said before the clash with Liverpool.

"I am looking at a game tomorrow that is so huge for this team. The last thing I want to do is talk about a player from another team."