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Chelsea linked with three Kai Havertz alternatives in case transfer from Leverkusen stalls
Chelsea are chasing the signing of Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen but have several other options if that transfer falls through.
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Chelsea are currently in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal for Kai Havertz, having already agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old. However, the two clubs are believed to still be far apart in their valuation of the forward so the Blues are keeping their options open regarding alternatives.
Havertz is believed to have agreed a five-year deal with Chelsea and is keen to join up with Frank Lampard's squad, as long as the Blues can table an offer that satisfies Leverkusen.
The Bundesliga outfit want £90million for Havertz, who scored 18 goals and provided nine assists across all competitions this term.
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However, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is thought to have opened negotiations with a bid in the region of £70m.
The two clubs are expected to eventually come to an arrangement, with Havertz set to join a Blues attack already strengthened by the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
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However, Chelsea have been prudent in keeping their options open just in case a deal falls through and have three ready-made replacements they could target, according to Football.London.
The first of these is Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has demonstrated his ability to operate as a creative No 10.
The Italian can contribute attacking returns but would play more of a supporting role compared to the prolific Havertz.
And it is suggested that while the 24-year-old may not have quite the same talent as Chelsea's primary target, Pellegrini would be a much more cost-effective option which would enable investment elsewhere.
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The second player touted as a potential alternative is RB Leipzig ace Christopher Nkunku, who has seen his reputation grow rapidly since moving from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
The Frenchman offers excellent flexibility – similar to that provided by Havertz – and can play wide, as a No 10 or a main striker.
However, it should be noted that neither Nkunku nor Pellegrini have previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge despite their suitability.
The same cannot be said for Philippe Coutinho, who has supposedly been monitored by Chelsea and a number of other Premier League clubs after failing to settle at Barcelona.
The Brazilian moved to the Nou Camp from Liverpool for £142m in January 2018 but struggled to nail down a starting berth and was loaned to Bayern Munich last season.
Coutinho has impressed for the Bavarian outfit, most recently scoring twice against his parent club in the 8-2 Champions League quarter-final thrashing.
But Bayern are unwilling to trigger the player's £108.5m buy-out clause to make the switch permanent, meaning the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham have supposedly shown interest in the 28-year-old.
Barcelona want the cash for Coutinho but a steep asking price means a loan option is more likely, and that could be an avenue Chelsea exploit if they cannot bring in Havertz.
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