Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Real Madrid’s negotiations for Kai Havertz are currently off due to Chelsea’s high asking price.
The German forward has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino looks to rebuild the squad.
Both Arsenal and Real Madrid have registered an interest in the 24-year-old, with the interest from Spain being more concrete.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are looking to replace both Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio during the summer.
Havertz has been a top target for Real Madrid of late, but Chelsea’s high asking price has reportedly put them off.
“Real Madrid have no intention to pay big fee for Kai Havertz,” Romano clarified on Twitter.
“He’s appreciated by Ancelotti but no plans to spend €60m plus add-ons requested by Chelsea.
“Negotiations currently off, could only change if price tag will be lower later in the window.”
Havertz has scored 32 goals for Chelsea in 139 appearances since joining the club in 2020.
The German forward has divided opinions since arriving in London and a move this summer might be best for all parties.
However, with Real Madrid reluctant to meet Chelsea’s asking price, Havertz could end up sticking around.
Romano previous revealed that Chelsea expect several clubs to be interested in the 24-year-old.
“Real Madrid are not intentioned to pay €60m plus add-ons for Kai Havertz,” Romano confirmed.
“He’s appreciated by board and Carlo Ancelotti but no plan to spend that amount of money. Havertz situation will be discussed in the next days, Chelsea expect more clubs to approach them.”
Chelsea signed Havertz in 2020 for a fee which could rise to £71m with odd-ons included.
As the club are keen on recouping as much of that fee as possible, they are reluctant to lower their asking price by much.
Havertz is contracted with Chelsea until 2025 and there will likely be more interest in him as the months go on.
Christopher Nkunku will be joining the Chelsea squad for next season and he could dislodge Havertz from the starting 11.
As Chelsea are also keen on signing a marquee number nine this summer, it seems more than likely that the German footballer will leave the club.
Time will tell if Chelsea are willing to drop their €60m asking price for Havertz to guarantee him a move.
