Kai Havertz isn’t Chelsea’s most important transfer target
Kai Havertz would be an excellent signing for Chelsea, but the reality is Ben Chilwell is the player Frank Lampard needs to acquire this summer.
Chelsea supporters are understandably excited about the prospect of landing Kai Havertz this summer. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has the potential to grow into a world-class star under the watchful eye of Frank Lampard. That doesn’t mean the young German is the most important transfer target the Blues are chasing this summer.
That designation should go to Leicester City left-back Ben Chilwell. He plays a position where Chelsea desperately need to secure an upgrade. Lampard and his coaching staff correctly understand that relying on the likes of Marcos Alonso, Emerson and Cesar Azpilucueta to man the position might torpedo the club’s hopes of making a run at the Premier League title.
The challenge is that Leicester City are in no mood to let Chilwell move to their English rivals. Brendan Rodgers’ squad narrowly missed out on qualifying for Champions League football at the end of the 2019-20 season, but they hope they can correct the error next season. Keeping key defenders like Chilwell are a big part of the Foxes’ plan for future success.
At some point, the Blues need to consider blowing Leicester City out of the proverbial water with a massive bid for Chilwell. That might be the only way to secure his services. The obvious question is whether or not Chelsea have the budget to overpay for Chilwell and still signing Havertz. Remember, the club already have significant cash allocated to the purchases of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner this summer.
It would be wise for Chelsea officials to opt for substance over style this summer. Buying Havertz might provide the club good transfer value in a vacuum, but it’s very possible he will struggle to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. Lampard has other, more proven, midfield options at his disposal that can power his attack next year.
The same can’t be said for his choices at left-back. That’s a clear problem area for a club with legitimate aspirations of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City next year. Chilwell isn’t the only player who can address that gaping hole for the Blues, but he’s clearly Lampard’s preferred option.
Next. Chelsea want to add another Bundesliga ace. dark
That’s why Chilwell, and not Havertz, is Chelsea’s most important transfer target this summer. The English fullback won’t generate as many headlines as the young German midfielder, but he’s more crucial to Chelsea’s immediate future.