Kai Havertz has told Bayer Leverkusen of his ‘desire to make the next step’ in showdown talks amid Chelsea’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder.
Havertz is believed to be Frank Lampard’s next big target after Chelsea signed striker Timo Werner and winger Hakim Ziyech for a combined £89million from RB Leipzig and Ajax respectively.
Leverkusen value the 21-year-old at around £90m, while Chelsea are expected to attempt to bring the price down to around £70m.
But while the Stamford Bridge side attempt to haggle over the price, it has been widely reported that the Germany international wants the move.
And after Leverkusen were dumped out of the Europa League by Inter Milan this week, the Bundesliga club’s CEO Fernando Carro has confirmed that Havertz has outlined his ambitions.
It was always clear that we will have talks once the Europa League season concluded,” Carro told German paper Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger, in quotes reported by the Evening Standard.
“Kai has voiced his desire to make the next step. At the moment, I can’t say whether this will work out in the near future or not.”
Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller insists Havertz will only leave this summer if “certain requirements are met”.
“No decision has been made yet,” the former germany striker told Kicker while discussing Havertz’s future. “I’d like to repeat myself by emphasising that we’re talking about a wonderful footballer.
“There is nothing new in this regard. We have a clear and mutual agreement with him and his representatives that he can only leave if certain requirements are met. Otherwise he will stay.”
Havertz, who can play on the wing or up front as well as in the No10 role, scored 18 goals and assisted nine during an eye-catching campaign.
Reports have claimed he is set to sign a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge. Mirror
