KAI HAVERTZ is edging closer to a move to Chelsea with reports that he is 'far keener than Jadon Sancho' to leave the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile a new name has been added to Chelsea's list of potential goalkeepers… Leicester's Kasper Schmeichel.
Follow all the latest transfer updates from the Bridge below…
HAV SOME OF THAT
Chelsea WILL sign Kai Havertz “if they want him as much as he wants them”, reports Sky Sports Kaveh Solhekol.
He states that Havertz has agitated for a move behind the scenes and is keener to join Chelsea than Jadon Sancho is to join Man Utd.
The upshot of all that is that a deal should be done after Bayer Leverkusen's Europa League campaign is finished.
That could be as early as tonight, when they take on Antonio Conte's Inter in Germany.
Leverkusen Sporting Director Rudi Voller remains insistent that Havertz will not leave for less than £90m, but Solhekol says this is a “standard tactic” in these situations.
GOOD MORNING CHELSEA FANS,
Tammy Abraham admits he is going to need to take his game to a new level to beat Timo Werner to the main striking role at Chelsea.
But the 22-year-old England star is not prepared to give up his place in Frank Lampard’s side without a fight.
He said: “This is something I’ve been dreaming of as a kid so I have to fight for my spot, it’s never going to come easy.
“It didn’t come easy at the start of the season but I worked myself into the team and that’s what I have to keep doing.
“This is Chelsea Football Club. There’s always going to be high standards and high competition.”
Abraham enjoyed a decent first full season in the Blues‘ first team last season with 19 goals – yet the £45million arrival of Werner at Stamford Bridge leaves his place under serious threat.
On the transfer front, Chelsea have reportedly made a £20million swoop to snap up Manchester City defender John Stones.
The 26-year-old England star is likely to leave the Etihad this summer following the £41m arrival of ex-Blues player Nathan Ake.
According to the Mirror, interest in the former Everton man has sparked Chelsea boss Frank Lampard's interest.
The report adds that Lamps feels he can resurrect Stones’ career and is prepared to sanction a £20m move.
PRICE IS RIGHT
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly refusing to drop their asking price for Kai Havertz.
FEELING BLUE
Kevin Phillips has claimed that the arrivals of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech will spell the end of England duo Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi at Chelsea.
He told Football Insider: “You can look at it two ways as a player.
“For me, with my own head on, I see that as competition, somebody that I can learn off and it means you have to perform in training week in, week out to stake your claim for a place in the side.
“But deep down, when you bring in quality players like that you expect those two players to start.
“Frank knows more than anyone that competition is healthy in any squad provided you can keep everyone happy. These young players have had a taste of first team action but they are easier to manage than two more experienced players sitting on the bench and not playing.
“Competition but I would not say they need to be worried. See it as a challenge to go and stake a claim.”
AMPED UP
Norwich City are keen on landing Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu on loan following his spell at RB Leipzig last season.
HAV SOME OF THAT
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a long-term contract with Kai Havertz.
RMC Sport claims that the Blues have yet to agree a fee with Bayer Leverkusen over the German's transfer.
Yet the report adds that Havertz has agreed to pen a deal which will keep him tied to Stamford Bridge until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
CHRIS ALMIGHTY
Christian Pulisic has shared a childhood snap of himself alongside Chelsea teammate Mason Mount.
LEW BEAUTY
Tammy Abraham has admitted that he is taking inspiration from best striker in the world Robert Lewandowski.
He told Chelsea's website: “For me he’s the best striker in the world right now, and that’s the level I’ve got to get to and better. That’s what I aspire to be.
“Coming here and playing against him is a great learning curve, a great experience for me.
“Going into next season and onwards I’ve got to build myself to get to those high levels.”
ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
Tammy Abraham has insisted that Chelsea have had a ‘phenomenal’ season despite their recent FA Cup final and Champions League defeats.
He told the Chelsea website: “It’s been a phenomenal season for myself and the lads.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better season.
“I have had a few niggles here and there, but I have come out stronger and now I have to build myself for next season and start well and end well. That’s my aim. I have to raise my bar and go again.
“It never came easy at the start of this season, but I worked my way into the team and that’s what I have got to keep doing.”
OUT OF THE BLUE
Chelsea have reportedly made a £20million swoop to snap up Manchester City defender John Stones.
The 26-year-old England star is likely to leave the Etihad this summer following the £41m arrival of ex-Blues player Nathan Ake.
According to the Mirror, interest in the former Everton man has sparked Chelsea boss Frank Lampard's interest.
The report adds that Lamps feels he can resurrect Stones’ career and is prepared to sanction a £20m move.
But they are set to face competition for Stones from his former boss David Moyes at West Ham.
Arsenal – managed by ex-City assistant Arteta – are also interested but the London club will have to sell before they can buy.
TO BE FRANK
CHEL WELL
Chelsea's 7-1 Bayern Munich humiliation was their worst European two-legged result and ensured the Blues conceded the most goals in a campaign.
Trailing 3-0 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Frank Lampard's injury-hit side were thumped 4-1 at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night.
Robert Lewandowski's double sandwiched finishes from Ivan Perisic and Corentin Tolisso with Tammy Abraham tapping in just before half-time.
Chelsea have never lost by a six-goal margin nor conceded seven in a two-legged European tie before.
And to make matters worse for the under-fire defence, that took the tally to 15 goals shipped in a Champions League season – another new and unwanted record.
It brought a disappointing end to the legendary midfielder's first season in charge.
In total across all competitions, Chelsea conceded 79 times, their worse defensive performance since 1990/91.
CON IS ON
Leeds are looking to bring in Chelsea kid Conor Gallagher for their Premier League push next term.
And they could get some joy from the Blues as they look to move on a few players in order to bring in the cash for boss Frank Lampard to revamp his squad.
Striker Gallagher, 20, was superb on loan for Charlton in the Championship last season, scoring six goals.
He also impressed at Swansea, featuring in the Championship play-off semi-final
He is set to hold talks with Chelsea this week about another loan move or a permanent transfer.
A host of clubs in the Premier League and Championship are after him.
WILLIAN CONTINUED
Willian added: “There was also criticism, which is normal, what is important though is that both the affection and criticism drove me to always give my all in every training session, every game, to be constantly improving until my very last minute in a Chelsea shirt!
“The time has now come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my teammates.
“I will miss all the staff at the club who’ve always treated me like a son and I will miss the fans.
“I leave with my head held high, safe in the knowledge that I won things here and always did my best in a Chelsea shirt!
“My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you and God bless you!”
WILL I NEVER
Willian has confirmed he departure from Chelsea in an emotional open letter.
The Brazilian, 32, spent seven seasons at Stamford Bridge but was unable to agree a contract extension.
In a statement he posted on social media, he said: “They were seven wonderful years. In August 2013 when I received the offer from Chelsea, I was convinced that this was where I had to play.
“Today I am certain that it was the best of decisions. There were so many happy times, some sad, there were trophies and it was always very intense.
“Yet, beyond the trophies, I learnt a lot about myself. I developed a great deal, becoming a better player and a better person.
“With each training session, with each game, with every minute spent in the dressing room, I was always learning.
“I am really grateful to the Chelsea fans for the affectionate way they welcomed me at Stamford Bridge and their support throughout my time at the club.”
BIRTHDAY BOY
Look who turns 32 today!
Willian may be close to leave Chelsea, but the Blues have wished the incoming Arsenal winger a happy birthday
LEW BEAUTY
Tammy Abraham has lauded Robert Lewandowski after the Polish striker scored twice in Saturday's 4-1 win against Chelsea.
He said: “For me he’s the best striker in the world right now and that’s the level I have to get to and better.That’s what I aspire to be and coming here, playing against him is a great learning curve, a great experience for me.
“Building to next season and onwards I have to build myself to get to those high levels. It’s been a phenomenal season for myself and the lads. I couldn’t ask for a better season.
“I have had a few niggles here and there but I have come out stronger and I have just got to build myself for next season, start well, end well and that’s my aim.
“This is the level so next season I have to raise my bar and go again.
“I think that’s the level we’ve got to get to. We’re a new, young side, with a new manager. That’s the first season so we have to be pleased with ourselves.”
LIL ANGEL
Lille have wrapped up the signing of Manchester United reject Angel Gomes.
The England teenager – who was linked with a switch to Chelsea – has now been sent out on loan to Portuguese side Boavista.
Gomes quit Old Trafford after 14 years at the club.
But he made just six Premier League appearances during that time.
The 19-year-old left Old Trafford last month after talks over a new contract broke down.
BLUE BEAUTY
ABRA-CADABRA
Tammy Abraham admits he is going to need to take his game to a new level to beat Timo Werner to the main striking role at Chelsea.
Abraham enjoyed a decent first full season in the Blues first team last season with 19 goals – yet the £45million arrival of Werner at Stamford Bridge leaves his place under serious threat.
But the 22-year-old England star is not prepared to give up his place in Frank Lampard’s side without a fight.
He said: “This is something I’ve been dreaming of as a kid so I have to fight for my spot, it’s never going to come easy.
“It didn’t come easy at the start of the season but I worked myself into the team and that’s what I have to keep doing.
“This is Chelsea Football Club. There’s always going to be high standards and high competition.”
WHITE HEAT
Chelsea want to gazump Liverpool over their hunt for Brighton defender Ben White – and ditch Antonio Rudiger in the process.
Leeds United have already had two bids turned down for the player who was a success on loan at Elland Road last term.
Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa had converted him into a defensive midfielder but he is comfortable there or at centre-back.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp wanted the 22-year-old as back-up to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip after losing Dejan Lovren this summer.
But Blues boss Frank Lampard is desperate for defensive reinforcements and will go higher than the £20million Anfield bean-counters will pay in an auction.
BYE BLUES
Pedro has confirmed his departure from Chelsea in an emotional Instagram farewell.
The winger, 33, spent five years at Stamford Bridge playing 206 times and winning three major honours.
With his contract expiring upon the completion of the Blues' season last night at the hands of Bayern Munich, he will now join Roma on a free transfer.
Pedro wrote: “After five wonderful years my stage at Chelsea FC comes to an end.
“Thanks a lot to the club’s board, to the coaches and teammates I’ve had, and of course to the fans: thank you for the experience of being a member of your big family.
“I’ve been very happy here, you’ve made me feel like home. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to play for this club and win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League titles, as well as competing in one of the world's best football leagues.
“I made the right choice, I take with me wonderful and unforgettable memories. I say farewell very pleased with this stage of my career, and I'm also very excited with the next to begin. Thanks and good luck for the future. Come on Blues!!!”
WHERE THERE'S A WILL
Arsenal's announcement of Willian will reportedly be announced in the next week.
ESPN Brazil state that his time at Chelsea has now officially come to an end following their Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea.
They state a three-year deal gas been agreed at the Emirates, and only minor details need to be sorted out before his switch to North London is confirmed.
BAK AT IT
Tiemoue Bakayoko is reportedly prepared to take a 50 per cent wage cut in order to force through a return to AC Milan.
Yet according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Frenchman's desire to seal a permanent move to Italy may be blocked by Chelsea’s steep asking price.
The Blues are said to want £20 million in order to recoup at least half of the £40 million they originally forked out for Bakayoko.
GOOD MORNING, CHELSEA FANS,
Robert Lewandowski made it seven 'n hell for Chelsea with a double that completed Bayern Munich's embarrassingly easy route to the Champions League quarter-finals.
After The Germans' 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge, the Polish striker struck first and last at the Allianz Arena with a penalty and superb header for a 4-1 return victory and 7-1 aggregate success.
But more positively, SunSport's Duncan Wright revealed that Declan Rice may have to be sold by West Ham if they want to bring in several new faces to strengthen their squad.
Chelsea lead the race for England midfielder Rice, 21, with boss Frank Lampard looking to convert him back into a defender to help solve the problem area in his side.
The Hammers insist they have no desire to sell their player of the year but it would be hard to turn down any offers that get close to their £70million valuation.
Manager David Moyes wants to freshen up a squad he led to Premier League survival.
But with money short because of the lack of revenue from empty stadiums, cashing in on their main man might be the only step open to them.
The club have a strong interest in QPR’s £20m-rated attacker Eberechi Eze and Brentford forward Said Benrahma.
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