Bayern Munich have emerged as the favourites to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz, with Chelsea turning their attention to Brentford's Said Benrahma in the meantime.
After agreeing a £54m deal with RB Leipzig for highly sought-after forward Timo Werner, reports surfaced of the Blues' interest in Bayern Leverkusen midfielder Havertz.
The 20-year-old has been the subject of fierce transfer speculation after a stunning two seasons in the Bundesliga, with his performances attracting a clamour of interest from Europe's elite.
Despite being backed by the recent transfer fees received for Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata, and having not spent anything the previous summer due to their transfer ban, on Monday Chelsea were reported to be 'miles apart' when it came to agreeing a potential deal with Leverkusen for Havertz.
According to the Telegraph, it is Bayern who are in pole position to secure Havertz's signature, and are close to Bayer's valuation of their prized asset.
The German champions have a habit of poaching the very best up and coming Bundesliga talent, and are aiming to team Havertz up with Manchester City winger Leroy Sane in a new-look attack next season.
The pair are Bayern's prime transfer targets this window. A deal for Havertz is poised to command a fee in excess of £75m, while a move for Sane could set Bayern back £50m, despite the 24-year-old being in the final year of his contract at the Etihad.
Although Chelsea's hopes of securing Havertz appear to be diminishing, according to RMC Sport journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi, the Blues have made contact with representatives of Brentford midfielder Said Benrahma.
Bouhafsi states Chelsea have already made Brentford aware of their interest, but are yet to submit a formal offer.
The attacking midfielder has chipped in with 10 goals and eight assists this season, playing an integral role in Brentford's promotion push.
Benrahma joined the Championship outfit from Nice in 2018, and according to Bouhafsi, Leicester and Arsenal are also interested in the 24-year-old.
Source : 90min