Bundesliga side holding up £90m Chelsea deal for this one reason

Bayer Leverkusen are holding up the Kai Havertz transfer until they can sign a replacement

According to reliable journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft (h/t Express), Bayer Leverkusen are holding up the Kai Havertz transfer to Chelsea.

The 21-year-old looks set to become Chelsea’s fourth high-profile capture of the summer. The Germans however are stopping the deal from going forward.

“Seems like the main – reason for the delay of a public confirmation of the deal, is that Leverkusen would have liked to be further in replacing him.”

Their actions stem from the fear that it could hinder their efforts to bring in a replacement. Havertz has been a key player for Leverkusen and has scored an impressive 48 goals in his last 87 games for the club.

Leverkusen had valued the 21-year-old at an impressive £90million. Although Blues director Marina Granovskaia attempted to drive the price down, she was not successful in doing so.

Chelsea will pay the Bundesliga side £72m up front with a further £18m in add-ons and other instalments. The player is believed to have agreed on personal terms ahead of a five-year deal at the Bridge. (h/t Express)

The transfer, once it is official, will make Havertz the most expensive purchase in Chelsea history.

A double-edged sword

Leverkusen believe other clubs will take advantage of them once they attempt to bring in a replacement. With their star asset gone and armed with a multi-million budget, they could be held at ransom to fork out top dollar.

“It’s strategy. After a big Havertz fee any replacement will be more expensive. That’s the name of the game.”

Ironically, it is exactly what they are doing with Chelsea. If they can stand firm on their valuation of a player, so too can other teams.

Hopefully, they can bring in someone soon, paving the way for Havertz to move to Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea secured their third big capture of the window when they signed Ben Chilwell. Brazilian veteran Thiago Silva is also expected to have a medical.