Kai Havertz gives Chelsea transfer guarantee, but Bayer put up two huge obstacles

Kai Havertz has reportedly told Chelsea he will sign for them this summer – but the Blues face a long wait to secure a deal.

The Blues continue to be linked with a move for Havertz in the upcoming transfer window.

Reports claim that they are in pole position to land his signature, while the player is also keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

There appeared to be something of a setback at the weekend when it was claimed Chelsea’s transfer chief Marina Granovskaia wanted to instead strengthen their defence.

That’s also a view shared by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who has named the three signings they need to push for the title.

Chelsea’s hopes of getting their hands on Havertz also suffered a setback on Wednesday. That’s after German football expert Rafa Honigstein scoffed at claims that a deal was close.

However, reports in Kicker contradict that claim – and state Havertz wants to join Chelsea above all other suitors.

The German outlet reports that Havertz has given Chelsea his word he will sign for them, should a deal be agreed.

Furthermore, they state Leverkusen will not stand in Havertz’s way and are open to selling the midfielder.

Before any deal is struck, however, the Bundesliga club have two caveats Chelsea must adhere to.

Firstly, Bayer are adamant they won’t under-sell their prized asset and are demanding a €10 million (£89.8m) fee.

Secondly, Bayer want Havertz to remain with them until after their Europa League campaign is finished. That could push any potential deal back until August 21 were they to reach the final.

The competition resumes on August 6 with Leverkusen due to play Rangers in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie.

Having won the first leg 3-1, Bayer are expecte to progress to a quarter-final date against Inter or Getafe.

Should Bayer go all the way, that would likely mean the player missing the start of the new Premier League season.

Bayer clearly fancy their chances of going all the way in the Europa League. However, the  club’s sporting director Rudi Voller knows keeping Havertz is key to their hopes.

“We’ve had many good players through the history of the club at Bayer Leverkusen,” Voller said. “But Kai Havertz is the best of them all.”

READ MORE: Pundit names three signings Chelsea need to win Prem title

Simeone on Oblak rumours

Chelsea have also been strongly linked with a deal for Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak.

Diego Simeone, however, was confident their presence in the Champions League would keep Oblak in the Spanish capital.

“It does not surprise me, every year our most important players are wanted by the best in the world,” Simeone said.

“It is normal to always look for the best – and we have many. Some have left and others have stayed. I am not surprised that Chelsea admire Jan Oblak, he is a decisive player for us.

“But he is the captain. Our participation every year in the Champions League helps us keep our best players. I hope he will continue with us.”

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