Kai Havertz close to Chelsea transfer after Frank Lampard talks

Kai Havertz is close to joining Chelsea after midfielder Bayer Leverkusen has held productive talks with Frank Lampard, according to reports.

Chelsea have already strengthened with the purchases of Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and Timo Werner from RGB Leipzig and Havertz is about to become the third new arrival at Stamford Bridge this summer.

According to The Athletic, Havertz was persuaded to join Chelsea following a discussion with Lampard about his vision and plans for the club.

The report also says that an agreement worth around 80 million euros (£ 72.7 million), which includes add-ons, will be agreed between Chelsea and Leverkusen.

By following Sky Sports Italia, Havertz has already agreed on personal terms with Chelsea and is now waiting for Leverkusen to accept Chelsea’s offer.

Chelsea expected competition from rival clubs for Havertz to sign up following his impressive Bundesliga performances over the past two seasons.

Real Madrid reportedly made it clear that they are unable to finance a move at this stage, while Bayern Munich got out of the running this year after deciding to spend £ 55 million on signing Leroy Sane from Manchester City.

Havertz, meanwhile, has made it clear to the Leverkusen hierarchy that he wants to leave the club this summer.

And the 21-year-old is drawn to the prospect of playing alongside his German teammate Werner at Chelsea next season.

Havertz has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects with 45 goals and 31 assists in 148 appearances for Leverkusen.

The midfielder was mocked by Leverkusen supporters earlier this season after a dip in form, but the German team’s sporting director, Rudi Voller, said this month that the 21-year-old is the best player in the club’s history.

“We have had many good players in the history of the club at Bayer Leverkusen, but Kai Havertz is the best of all,” said Voller.

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