Kai Havertz: Chelsea step up £70m chase for Bayer Leverkusen striker

Bayer Leverkusen striker Kai Havertz. Photo: Alexander Scheuber/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images

Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their efforts to wrap up a deal for in-demand attacker Kai Havertz following the conclusion of Bayer Leverkusen's campaign.


The Germany international scored a late consolation penalty in Leverkusen's 4-2 loss to Bayern Munich in Saturday's DFB-Pokal final at the Olympiastadion.

Havertz is said to have been identified by Frank Lampard as the missing piece to the puzzle, with Chelsea already bringing in Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner ahead of next season.

According to the Evening Standard, the Blues do not want to waste any time in snapping up the 21-year-old now that his season is officially over.

Chelsea are believed to be willing to pay £70m for Havertz, who ended 2019-20 with 25 goals and assists in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the same report indicates that West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice  could be next on Chelsea's wishlist once they complete the signing of Havertz.