Real Madrid have been snubbed by Bayer Leverkusen in their attempts to sign Kai Havertz, who is also courted by Premier League giants this summer.
According to SportBild, as relayed by The Sun, Real Madrid’s masterplan to sign Kai Havertz has been rejected by Bayer Leverkusen. The Spanish heavyweights had tabled a £71 million bid for the German midfielder, with an option that could see him being loaned back to Leverkusen for the 2020/21 campaign.
However, it wasn’t enough for the Bundesliga giants, who are adamant on selling their star player for a higher fee this summer. In fact, Die Werkself are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £90 million, even though the player only has two years remaining on his contract.
Havertz has no shortage of potential suitors, however. His tremendous performances in the ongoing campaign, that has helped Leverkusen compete for a top-four finish in the Bundesliga, has already attracted the interest of German record champions Bayern Munich. Bavaria is also set to be the favoured destination for the player himself.
That being said, Premier League giants like Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest. Chelsea, in particular, were keen on securing the services of the German international. But, their reported acquisition of Timo Werner could potentially fulfil their needs in the attacking department.
As far as Real Madrid are concerned, missing out on Havertz could certainly be a massive blow for Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman is preparing himself for a potential squad overhaul in the summer, with players like James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and even Luka Jovic tipped to leave the club.
Meanwhile, creative stars like Luka Modric and Isco have failed to live up to the expectations in recent years, one due to fitness and the other due to form. And that certainly accentuates the need for a new playmaker, with Havertz being the ideal choice.
As mentioned earlier, the 20-year-old has enjoyed a successful season at Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 11 goals and registering five assists. Since the turn of the year, the playmaker has been involved in 13 goals, more than any other German player in the Bundesliga.
Havertz’s productivity, combined with his creative prowess and dynamism, therefore, could tune in well with Zidane’s high-octane football at Real Madrid. Moreover, he also has time on his – making him an ideal long-term investment for Los Blancos.
And given the quality of the player, Real Madrid should definitely try to come up with an improved offer, although it remains to be seen whether or not Havertz himself will fancy a move to Santiago Bernabeu this summer.