CHELSEA are in pole position to land Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen after Bayern Munich reportedly pulled out of the race to sign him.
The Blues are known to be desperate to secure his services, with the playmaker said to be willing to join the West Londoners even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
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Havertz, 21, has starred for Leverkusen this season – chipping in with 17 goals and nine assists in 43 games in all competitions.
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And Chelsea have been given a huge boost in their pursuit of the player after Sport Bild claimed that Bayern are turning their attention elsewhere.
They state that the Bavarian outfit are unwilling to meet his £90million release clause, and will instead target cheaper alternatives.
It has been claimed that due to Chelsea‘s interest in Havertz, Bayern know they will most likely have to trigger his buy-out clause in order to land him – something they are not prepared to do.
Havertz – tied down at Leverkusen until 2022 – is believed to be ready for a new challenge, with his boss Peter Bosz acknowledging last month that he could be sold before August.
And the club’s sporting director Rudi Voller revealed earlier this month that there is an agreement with the player that he will be allowed to leave ahead of next campaign.
He said: “We have an agreement – if it fits, he can go this summer.
“As of now, he is a player of ours. We have our ideas, we know what he can do.
“I personally hope that he stays one more year. Of course, you can’t force anyone.
“Havertz knows what he owes to his colleagues, the fans and club.”
