Chelsea's Kai Havertz dilemma: cut £70m asking price or risk contract

Kai Havertz struggled to convert his chances in the Chelsea shirt last season. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Chelsea are facing a dilemma about the future of Kai Havertz after clubs interested in signing him found the striker's asking price to be unrealistic.

Havertz has attracted interest from Real Madrid and at least two other clubs, including Arsenal. developments, but their asking price, believed to be around £70m, has so far deterred potential bidders.

Given the fact that Havertz still has two years left on his contract and he is a German international and Champions League winner having scored the winning goal in the 2021 final, Chelsea believe their valuation reflects the market rate.

But Havertz did not. has expressed a desire to extend his contract with Chelsea and is believed to be interested in a move from Stamford Bridge, especially to Real Madrid, which the clubs believe will lower his price.

Clubs are also good are aware of Chelsea's need and desire to sell players this summer, meaning that Chelsea must decide whether or not to lower the asking price for Havertz or risk having his contract terminated.

Havertz will not be forced to join the club offering the biggest transfer fee if he chooses to move elsewhere, which presents another challenge for Chelsea.

Ideally, Chelsea want to extend contracts or sell any players with two years or less before the end of their existing contracts to avoid the threat of losing players to free transfers or having to negotiate a sale when there are only 12 months left on their contracts, as was the case with Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic this summer .

It is unlikely that Real Madrid or any other club he would be interested in will pay more than £50m for Havertz this summer, leaving Chelsea with a major decision.

Losing interest in Manuel Ugarte, who is moving to Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea are keen to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo but will face serious competition from rival clubs.

Brighton want over £70m for Caicedo sterling and are interested in a deal that would include the signing of defender Levi Colville, who Chelsea insist is not for sale.

Chelsea are also waiting to hear if Milan would agree to sign midfielder Ruben Loftus. Chick.

Loftus-Cheek was poised to complete a move to Milan worth around £15m, but the Italian club have sacked technical director Paolo Maldini and sporting director Frederic Massaru, who were negotiating the deal.

Chelsea and Loftus Cheek are now waiting to see if the deal is finalized or if the move has stalled.