Real Madrid have stepped up their efforts to sign Chelsea forward Kai Havertz this summer. The Germany international has emerged as a target for Los Blancos following Karim Benzema's decision to leave the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of next season.
Havertz was Chelsea's joint-top goalscorer in all competitions last season with nine goals - along with summer signing Raheem Sterling. Madrid are monitoring Harry Kane's situation at Tottenham Hotspur after identifying the England captain as an ideal replacement for Benzema.
Mauricio Pochettino is eager to bolster his frontline with the signing of a new striker this summer, football.london understands. The Germany international sees his contract expire in 2025 at Stamford Bridge but could now be moved on to reduce the club's squad size and wage bill.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino gives Chelsea final Kai Havertz transfer ultimatum as Real Madrid plot swoop
According to SPORT1, talks are ongoing between Madrid and Havertz's agents despite negotiations with Chelsea not yet having taken place. German news outlet BILD have also reported that the German could be available for €60million (£52million) with the Spanish giants' interest becoming more 'concrete' this week.
A report from AS adds that the Blues are open to offers for Havertz, but Pochettino will likely block his departure. Earlier this year, the Blues ace was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich, which he later rubbished by insisting that he's happy in west London.
With the imminent arrival of Christopher Nkunku expected at Stamford Bridge, Havertz's exit is not out of the question. football.london reported last year that the Frenchman has signed a pre-contract agreement and is expected to seal a £50million move to west London when the summer transfer window opens.
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