Chelsea leading chase as Havertz makes strong Stamford Bridge vow

Chelsea have entered pole position in the hunt for Kai Havertz due to their financial prowess over other interested clubs, according to a report.

Havertz has cemented himself as one of the Bundesliga’s best young talents while at Bayer Leverkusen. Indeed, his form upon the German top-flight’s restart – when he scored five goals in four games – caught the eye.

As such, reports claim Chelsea are keen on the 22-year-old as part of their exciting spending plans. The Blues have already recruited Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner ahead of next season.

Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the other clubs to hold an interest, but Goal now claims Chelsea are ahead of the rest in the race to sign the midfielder.

What’s more, a source has told TEAMtalk that Havertz has his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Goal adds that several other clubs have reportedly rejected the prospect of paying the £90million fee for Havertz. Chelsea, meanwhile, can afford such an outlay after following up last summer’s transfer ban with a quiet January window.

Aside from the monies involved, the only potential hurdle for Chelsea would be offering Havertz Champions League football.

The Germany international feels he is ready to make a permanent step up to the competition to match his ambitions.

And the Blues, while currently in a strong position, face a battle to stay there. Manchester United, who are 16 games unbeaten in all competitions, look the most likely threat.

BAYER MAKE HAVERTZ TRANSFER PROMISE

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen have promised that, should a club meet Havertz’s valuation, he can leave.

“There is nothing specific, nothing to report. As of now, he is our player,” the club’s sporting director Rudi Voller told Bild (via Goal).

“”We have our ideas, we know what he can do. I personally hope that he stays one more year.

“We have an agreement: if it works, he can go this summer.”

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