Arsenal are among the clubs monitoring Kai Havertz’s situation, though Chelsea’s asking price is currently putting off potential bidders.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Kai Havertz of Chelsea challenges William Saliba of Arsenal during the Florida Cup match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Kai Havertz of Chelsea challenges William Saliba of Arsenal during the Florida Cup match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Camping World Stadium on July 23, 2022. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

The Telegraph report that Kai Havertz is attracting interest from Real Madrid and Arsenal this summer, with two years left on his current contract at Chelsea.

Havertz hasn’t shown any desire to extend his deal, and he’s believed to be interested in a move away from Stamford Bridge, particularly to Madrid.

But Chelsea are looking for £70m to sell, and it’s reportedly unlikely that any of the interested clubs would pay more than £50m for Havertz.

Everyone is aware that Chelsea need to sell players this summer, after following up their spending spree with a 12-place finish and an exit from European competition.

So it’s difficult for the Blues to hold Havertz to ransom on a relatively short contract and the widely-available knowledge that they need money.

Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (L) and Chelsea's English head coach Graham Potter (R) on the pitch after the final whistle of the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 29, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (L) and former head coach Graham Potter (R) on the pitch after the final whistle of the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 29, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The Telegraph’s article follows a similar claim in The Byline, with Alex Goldberg reporting that Arsenal “really want” Havertz.

Goldberg suggests Arsenal haven’t made any formal proposals to Chelsea, and the Gunners are apparently working on the player’s side of things first.

Havertz has failed to hit the same heights with Chelsea as he looked set for during his time with Bayer Leverkusen.

In Germany, Havertz played 150 senior games, scoring or assisting 77 times. Since joining Chelsea, he’s played 139 games, scoring or assisting 47 goals.

But it’s hard to say how the 23-year-old might do in a better team. Chelsea’s 2022/23 side was dreadful, and it’s hard to imagine many players shining in those circumstances.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 15: Kai Havertz of Germany looks on during the international friendly match between Germany and Russia at Red Bull Arena on November 15, 2018 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Bongarts/Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Kai Havertz of Germany looks on during the international friendly match between Germany and Russia at Red Bull Arena on November 15, 2018. (Photo by Thomas Eisenhuth/Bongarts/Getty Images)

With Germany, Havertz has an excellent record, scoring or assisting 24 goals in 34 games.

Real Madrid are evidently convinced Havertz has more to offer at club level, and they appear the favourites for his signature this summer. But Arsenal are currently in the race as well.