Chelsea are not close to signing Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz, with all three parties said to be 'miles apart' in terms of striking a potential deal.
The Blues shocked the footballing world with their move for RB Leipzig's Timo Werner at the start of June, jumping ahead of rivals Liverpool after agreeing to pay the German's £54m release clause.
Following that move, reports surfaced of the west Londoners' interest in Bundesliga sensation Havertz - with the club said to be preparing a £75m bid to bring the 20-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
Rafa Honigstein of The Athletic, however, understands that although there is a 'renewed interest' from Chelsea to acquire the player, it would be 'wrong' to assume that the Blues are leading the race for the Leverkusen man.
Honigstein added that the Premier League club, Leverkusen and Havertz are currently 'miles apart' in terms of striking a potential deal.
Happy 21st birthday, Kai Havertz ?
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One of the brightest stars in German football could be set for a move to a European giant soon...
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Many of Europe's finest are believed to be targeting a move for the generationally gifted Havertz this summer. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United, as well as Chelsea, have all been listed as potential destinations for the German international.
Bayern seemed like an inevitable destination for Havertz, who'd follow in the footsteps of many supremely talented Germans to make the switch to Bavaria early in their careers.
However, although Die Roten are keen to sign Havertz, they're prioritising a move for Leroy Sane this summer and it appears unlikely they'll be able to fund moves for both players amid the financial strains brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, Honigstein notes it's a transfer saga which could rumble on into August, with Leverkusen destined for a deep run in the Europa League knockout stages.
Die Werkself, meanwhile, haven't given up hope of retaining the services of their precocious talent for next season. Havertz has scored 23 goal contributions in all competitions this term including five goals in four games since the Bundesliga resumed last month.
Source : 90min