Euro Paper Talk: Two caveats emerge as Chelsea lodge giant bid for top target
Chelsea are preparing to spend big to land their top target this summer, Man Utd could still move for a Lyon star, while Arsenal have been offered a swap deal, according to Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk.
CHELSEA READY TO PAY MEGA FEE FOR KAI HAVERTZ
Kai Havertz will be the subject of a mammoth offer from Chelsea in the coming days, 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, it has been claimed Chelsea are keen on the 21-year-old as part of their exciting spending plans. The Blues have already recruited Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner ahead of next season.
What’s more, a source has told TEAMtalk that Havertz has his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Following on from this, SportBild claims the Blues are ‘ready to pay a mega fee’ to land Havertz.
Bayer are seeking around €100m for their star man, but the German paper claims Chelsea have a cunning plan. As such, they claim Chelsea will launch an opening gambit of €70m, plus €30m – €40m in bonuses. They hope that, in the current market, that will be enough to tempt Bayer into the sale.
There remains a caveat to any Chelsea transfer, however. First of all, Chelsea must secure Champions League football if Havertz is to move.
Secondly, unlike Timo Werner, Havertz wants to see out the European season with Bayer Leverkusen. Die Werkself are through to the latter stages of the Europa League and SportBild says the midfielder wants to stay to help his side push for glory.
That will mean any move to Stamford Bridge – even if agreed in advance – would be delayed until mid to late August at best.
Frank Lampard will no doubt be delighted to get his hands on Havertz if the deal goes through.
While he is yet to confirm his interest in the player directly, he did admit his admiration for him when asked recently.
“He’s obviously a top player,” Lampard stated. “But to carry on from my answer before I’m certainly not going to comment on other players at other teams.
“It cannot be our focus. So I’ve nothing to say.”
When pressed on any bids being made, he added: “No. No bids have gone in.”
Asked how many more recruits Chelsea will chase this summer, Lampard continued: “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.”
MAN UTD STILL KEEN ON MOUSSA DEMBELE
Manchester United remain keen on Moussa Dembele and could still look to sign him from Lyon this summer if the price is right. (Foot Mercato)
Atletico Madrid will offer Arsenal Thomas Partey in a straight swap deal for Alexandre Lacazette this summer. (L’Equipe)
Fenerbahce are set to rival Besiktas for the signature of Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen this summer. (Takvim)
Kylian Mbappe, Kai Havertz and Eduardo Camavinga are all delaying contract talks at their respective clubs as they wait possible approaches from Real Madrid. (Marca)
Arsenal, West Ham and Everton are keen to sign Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez. (AS)
Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez could now remain at Inter Milan, with his €111m exit clause expiring on Wednesday. (Sport)
AC Milan are targeting a €75m triple swoop for Sandro Tonali, Dusan Vlahovic and Kristoffer Ajer this summer. (Sky Italia)
Santi Cazorla will leave Villarreal this summer, with Qatari side Al-Sadd a potential destination. (Mundo Deportivo)
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge would like to join a Ligue 1 or MLS side. The 30-year-old is currently a free agent. (L’Equipe)
AND MORE FROM THE EURO PAPERS
Tottenham are keen on completing a deal for powerful Metz striker Habib Diallo this summer. (La Semaine)
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu believes Lionel Messi will retire at the club and has no fears he will now renew his contract. (Cadena Ser)
Manuel Pellegrini will appoint former Man City defender Martin Demichelis to his coaching staff at Real Betis. (ABC De Sevilla)
Fiorentina defender German Pezzella has interest from Valencia and clubs in England. The Argentinian was previously expected to sign for Napoli. (Tuttomercatoweb)
Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu says they are unlikely to re-sign Brazil forward Neymar this summer. (RAC1)
Barcelona have told forward Antoine Griezmann that he will remain a vital part of the team next season. (L’Equipe)