Chelsea Close to Agreement With Kai Havertz but No Deal Yet

Kai Havertz scores from the spot for Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League last-16 first leg at Rangers in March. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
Kai Havertz scores from the spot for Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League last-16 first leg at Rangers in March. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
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Chelsea Close to Agreement With Kai Havertz but No Deal Yet

Kai Havertz scores from the spot for Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League last-16 first leg at Rangers in March. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
Kai Havertz scores from the spot for Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League last-16 first leg at Rangers in March. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Kai Havertz after discussing personal terms with the midfielder on a five‑year contract, although the club still have to reach an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over a fee for the Germany international.

Frank Lampard is leading a revamp of his attack for next season, having already secured the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, and there is growing confidence that Havertz will become the latest player to seal a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Leverkusen star has indicated he is willing to join Chelsea, though the deal is not done yet.

It is believed Leverkusen are holding out for as much as €90m for Havertz, with Chelsea hopeful of striking a deal worth €80m plus add‑ons. While Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 21-year-old, Lampard’s side are at the head of the queue.

Several of Chelsea’s rivals have indicated they cannot afford him at the moment and Havertz does not want to wait until next summer for a move following Leverkusen’s failure to qualify for the Champions League via the domestic route, even if they do so by winning the Europa League.

Much could still depend on whether Chelsea, who are third in the Premier League with two games left, secure Champions League qualification this week; they visit Liverpool on Wednesday and host Wolves on Sunday. However, they remain aware of the need for speed in talks with Leverkusen. They do not want to be caught out by a rival club coming in for Havertz, who has two years left on his current deal.

Chelsea, who will face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on 1 August, are also chasing reinforcements in defensive positions. They want a new left-back but could be priced out of a move for Leicester’s Ben Chilwell, who could cost at least £60m. Ajax’s Nicolás Tagliafico, available for £22.4m, could represent better value for money.

Lampard is also considering a move for a new goalkeeper as he has reservations over the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga. Chelsea have contacted Atlético Madrid about the availability of Jan Oblak, though it is likely that they would have to meet the Slovenian’s €120m release clause.

Moving Arrizabalaga on would also be complicated as the Spaniard joined Chelsea for £71.6m two years ago. While Valencia and Sevilla have considered trying to sign Arrizabalaga on loan, it is doubtful whether they would be able to afford his wages.

The Guardian Sport



Ancelotti Calls for Real Madrid Reaction after Consecutive Losses

Soccer Football - Champions League - Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - October 22, 2024 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts before the match REUTERS/Susana Vera/File Photo
Soccer Football - Champions League - Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - October 22, 2024 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts before the match REUTERS/Susana Vera/File Photo
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Ancelotti Calls for Real Madrid Reaction after Consecutive Losses

Soccer Football - Champions League - Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - October 22, 2024 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts before the match REUTERS/Susana Vera/File Photo
Soccer Football - Champions League - Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - October 22, 2024 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reacts before the match REUTERS/Susana Vera/File Photo

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti wants a positive reaction from his side after they suffered losses against Barcelona in LaLiga and AC Milan in the Champions League, as the team prepare for Saturday's league clash against Osasuna.

After a humiliating 4-0 home defeat by Barca, Real were again dominated at their own ground, falling to a 3-1 loss to Milan in a display that exposed last season's Champions League winners' poor defending and lack of firepower.

Ancelotti's side sit second in the league standings with 24 points from 11 matches, nine points behind leaders Barcelona, who have played a game more.

"Osasuna are doing very well, playing brave football and well positioned in the table," Ancelotti told reporters, Reuters reported.

"We see tomorrow as a great opportunity to get back to doing things right... at this moment in time, which is obviously difficult. We have a chance to get back to our best.

"We have analysed the situation. We think we have found the solution, but it has to be seen in practice. We want to see a different version tomorrow. I see the team united, motivated and aware. But we have to wait until tomorrow to see if we act in the right way."

The Italian was confident forward Kylian Mbappe, 25, would return to his best form.

Mbappe, who joined from Paris St Germain in June, has been playing a more central role at Real than he was accustomed to at the Ligue 1 club and has scored just once in his last six games in all competitions.

On Thursday, the France captain was also left out of his country's squad to face Israel and Italy in this month's Nations League games, stretching his absence in the national team to four matches.

"He's training well, he's going through a difficult moment... like each one of us. And like all of us, he has to think that this is an opportunity, that if he is clever he can get through it, but it requires more concentration and attitude," Ancelotti said.

"This is a strong, motivated group and the biggest club in the world. This is the best place to get through difficult times. And I am convinced that we will," he added.