Transfer Talk: Havertz linked with Real as Blues prepare summer rebuild

Chelsea are preparing to enter a new era this summer with another manager set to arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Kai Havertz has been leading the line for a struggling Blues side this season and has provided seven of the 30 league goals scored by the West Londoners.

But with reports suggesting that Real Madrid could make a move for the German, the former Bayer Leverkusen star may decide to pursue a new challenge in the 2023-24 campaign.

Ahead of Chelsea's clash with Brentford tonight — which may see Havertz miss out through injury — we take a look at the best course of action for the 23-year-old.

Premier League pressure

Havertz arrived in England with a weight of expectation on his shoulders after signing for over £71million but has failed to take the Premier League by storm in his three-year stint.

His final season in Germany had seen him bag 18 times in all competitions but the 34-cap international is yet to replicate that quality with the Blues.

Under Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, the Leverkusen academy product has been utilised as a false nine rather than as a No10 — his favoured position.

Havertz has often found himself in excellent positions on the pitch but has lacked the goalscoring instinct that would see him compete with England's elite strikers.

Chelsea's No29 has missed 13 big chances in the top flight this term and must take some of the blame for his side languishing in the bottom half of the table.

An awkward fit

Former Blues defender Glen Johnson is one of many who believe that the two-time Champions League winners would be better off selling Havertz this summer.

He said: "Havertz is a good footballer, but I don't think he really suits the Premier League.

"Everything he does is so slow and lethargic and, although he is a very technical player, it helps when you're in the Bundesliga playing for a top team.

"I also think he would bite your arm off to go back to Germany, so if Chelsea have to get rid of a marquee name this summer, I think it will be him."

Made for Madrid

Although Johnson believes that Havertz could return to Germany, reports suggest that Spanish giants Madrid are the frontrunners to land the talented playmaker.

Mauricio Pochettino is a hot favourite to take the reins at Stamford Bridge in the summer and the Argentine may choose to cash in to free up some space in his squad.

Havertz has yet to feature on the winning side since Lampard returned to the dugout and will be growing frustrated with his lack of minutes.

In Spain, Havertz would be afforded more time and space on the ball in a less physical league, which may suit his style of play.

And with the likes of Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric all approaching the end of their careers, this summer could be the perfect time for Los Blancos to make their approach for the left-footed attacker.

Out of position

Alan Shearer is another former player who has recognised that Havertz would be better off in an attacking midfield role.

The ex-Newcastle and Blackburn centre forward said: "I like Kai Havertz but not as an out-and-out No9."

Under new management, Chelsea could thrive if they were able to recruit a more clinical goalscorer and drop Havertz into a deeper role.

At his peak, the Champions League winner is an outstanding player and he may be able to unlock a new level to his game in a different environment next season.