Transfer Centre

Antonio Rudiger 'contacts Kai Havertz over Chelsea move'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 09 July 2020

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is reportedly in contact with international teammate Kai Havertz in a bid to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reportedly been in contact with international teammate Kai Havertz in an attempt to entice him to Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Blues are understood to be leading the race for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker, who is expected to hand in a transfer request at his current club ahead of a summer exit.

Previous reports have suggested that Havertz is tempted by a move to Chelsea in order to link up with Rudiger and new arrival Timo Werner, both of whom he plays alongside for Germany.

Bild now claims that Rudiger has been in contact with the 21-year-old for a couple of weeks in order to coax him to the club, having also reportedly done the same during the pursuit of Werner.

Havertz is expected to cost at least £80m, which would take Chelsea's summer spending to more than £150m following the arrivals of Hakim Ziyech and Werner.

The attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the most coveted players in Europe, having scored 17 goals and created nine more in 43 appearances across all competitions.