The 2023 summer transfer window is now open and Chelsea, along with their rivals, can now officially begin their plans for next season.
In the last two windows, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have overseen a chaotic period that has involved countless unsuccessful investments and only a handful of decent signings. This window isn't expected to be any different and another overhaul of the playing squad is in the pipeline.
A number of players, such as Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, face being sold for a cut-price fee due to their contracts expiring at the end of next season. football.london understands the club are attempting to offload more than ten players this window, meaning a new-look side could be on display at the start of the 2023/24 season.
One player whose future is increasingly likely to be away from Stamford Bridge is Kai Havertz. The 24-year-old was signed for a fee of around £75 million three years ago from Bayer Leverkusen but has persistently struggled to find consistent form.
Chelsea are understood to want around £70m for the German international, who has two years remaining on his deal. It's suggested that the player is open to the idea of leaving, though he will not push for a move away from Cobham.
football.london understands that Arsenal hold an interest in Havertz, with his profile and style of play perfectly suited to Mikel Arteta's system at the Emirates Stadium.
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It is currently unclear whether Havertz will end up in north London but a move for the German would reduce Mauricio Pochettino's options in attack. The area of the pitch is one of priority after last season's disastrous record of 36 goals in 36 games.
However, the Argentine's stance on the forward line has already been outlined. football.london understands a new striker is at the top of Pochettino's wish list, as well as a goalkeeper and midfielder, with a host of names tipped to move to Stamford Bridge.
Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane are two star names on the list of candidates, though both seem a distant hope. Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez is reportedly set to leave the Champions League finalist this summer and could be a possible replacement for Havertz.
But what do all these names have in common? They are all prolific goalscorers and are renowned for scoring goals, something Havertz is not. The former Bayer Leverkusen star is better as a number ten or false nine and has proved his inability to lead an attacking line.
In fact, looking at Pochettino's best teams at Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and even Southampton, he has always had a clinical striker spearheading attacks. Kane became a world-beater under the Argentine at Spurs whilst Rickie Lambert earned a move to Liverpool after working with him.
Pochettino's stance isn't to say Havertz won't be part of his plans next season, should he not leave. It does, however, indicate an exit may be the best move for both parties.
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