Havertz not leaving Leverkusen – for now

German star, Kai Havertz will not leave Bayer Leverkusen as long as they remain in contention in this season’s UEFA Europa League, according to the German club’s Sporting Director, Rudi Voller.

The 21-year-old is now Chelsea’s top target this summer following the arrivals of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.

It has been reported that a £90 million move is reportedly in the pipeline to bring Havertz to Stamford Bridge. However, with Leverkusen taking a 3-1 lead in their Europa League last-16 second-leg against Rangers on August 6, former German international Voller insists their prized asset will be available throughout their European run in August.

“It is set in stone. There is no new stance,” Voeller said to German outlet Kicker when asked whether Havertz would be available for Leverkusen’s Europa League campaign. In addition, Voller said, Frank Lampard’s side will have to pay Havertz’s full value if they want to buy the German this summer.

”There will be no “corona bonus”. No matter who the player is, this is a special transfer window.

While Havertz’s valuation is around £90m, Chelsea are hopeful they can lower that asking price to around £70m in the coming weeks. Havertz himself, meanwhile, is said to be sold on Chelsea’s vision under Lampard, after having a chat with Antonio Rudiger and new-boy Werner, who has just completed his first training session with the Blues, according to UK site, football.london.

The 21-year-old is currently training with Leverkusen ahead of the Rangers clash next Thursday.

While Chelsea qualified for next season’s Champions League at the weekend, Leverkusen missed out after finishing fifth in the Bundesliga. The Europa League gives them one last opportunity to reach Europe’s premier club competition next season. Chelsea are also still in European competition but have to overcome a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich in their Champions League last-16 second-leg on August 8.