Chelsea closing in on Havertz deal

Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is believed to be a wish for a number of clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, but it seems nobody but Chelsea is able to put in an acceptable bid, which should be around €80 million with add-ons included.

Having been under a transfer ban last summer and not made any signings in January either, all that while bringing in significant amounts through player sales, Chelsea still have money to spend despite agreeing deals to snap up winger Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and Timo Werner from RB Leipzig. Nonetheless, they will likely be forced to part ways with some, both young and experienced players, to balance their books.

Personal terms with Havertz are also close to total agreement, Ornstein says. The Germany international was initially hoping for a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, but as it turns out, not even Real are able to submit an acceptable offer at the moment, while United are keeping a tight hold on their funds with Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund their primary target.