Chelsea are expected to carry out a mass exodus in the coming weeks as their squad overhaul enters the third transfer window.
CFC will go big in the transfer window but this time around will have to make sales as FFP issues linger over their heads. Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz could be one of many players to leave the club and the German is already attracting interest.
With Mauricio Pochettino set to take over the reins at Stamford Bridge, the squad is set to undergo transformational changes. A midfield revolution is expected as CFC eye Manuel Ugarte and Moises Caicedo. The likes of Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount will be offloaded if appropriate offers arrive.
Pochettino is also targeting a lethal and effective striker as CFC want to avoid the goalscoring woes that plagued them this season. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be shown the exit door, meanwhile, David Datro Fofana will be sent out on a loan assignment. Although Romelu Lukaku’s loan deal expires at the end of the season, he wishes to stay at Inter Milan rather than return to Chelsea.
This leaves CFC with no option but to explore the market for a reliable goalscorer up top. Havertz has not been efficient in front of the goal and doesn’t fit in Pochettino’s system as a No.9. Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen have been regarded as targets with CFC keeping an eye on all three.
With the arrival of a new No.9 imminent, the Blues could be open to selling Havertz. Although the German is CFC’s top scorer this season with nine goals, he has struggled to make a lasting impact in crucial games and lead the frontline when needed.
According to Spanish Journalist Jose Felix Diaz (via Express), Havertz is one of the names being considered to replace talismanic striker Karim Benzema. Benzema has received a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia and is tilting towards leaving the Los Blancos. The Frenchman has 30 goals to his name in the 2022-23 season and is one of the most important players of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Real Madrid have also been linked to Roberto Firmino, who is a free agent this summer. Havertz has been discussed internally as a replacement to Benzema. The 23 year old is valued at €60 million by Transfermarkt and will be attracted by the idea of playing in the Champions League for Real Madrid.
Pochettino will soon have a decision to make and if he decides to sell Havertz, Real Madrid might be knocking on the doors with a cheque.