Bayer Leverkusen have conceded that Kai Havertz is likely to move on in the ‘near future’, amid strong interest from clubs including Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
The 21-year-old has become one of the most talked about young talents in Europe after grabbing 23 combined goals and assists so far this season.
“I see that many clubs are interested in Kai Havertz," Leverkusen chief executive Fernando Carro told regional local newspaper Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger this week.
“Kai has been with us for 10 years. I see the player’s desire to take the next step sometime in the near future. You have to respect that as much as the fact that he has a contract in Leverkusen until 2022,” he tellingly added.
“You have to try to find a solution where the player's goal can be reconciled with ours. At the moment nobody can say for sure what will happen.”
Chelsea have been among the clubs most heavily linked with Havertz - who is understood to be keen on taking the next step in his career - in the last few weeks, with the Blues one of the very few sides able to spend big this summer.
However, as things stand, Chelsea and Leverkusen are considered to be ‘miles apart’ when it comes to striking an agreement over a potential transfer. That has served to make Bayern the favourites, with reports this week suggesting they are much closer to meeting Leverkusen’s valuation.
Havertz is rated at £75m, which would make him a new record signing for Chelsea if they are prepared to pay that much, surpassing the £71.6m spent on Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018.
Chelsea have already wrapped up the summer purchase of Ajax play-maker Hakim Ziyech and have agreed terms with RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner ahead of triggering his release clause. On top of attacking signings, the club are also eyeing Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell, although 90min recently revealed they are facing competition from Manchester City on that front.
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Source : 90min