The chess game around Kai Havertz and his future continues.
Chelsea want to sell, Real Madrid want to buy, but the two are very far apart on the price, according to a Tweet from German insider Florian Plettenberg.
An interesting addendum to it is that Havertz is “not considered a 1:1 replacement” for Karim Benzema, i.e. they don’t consider him a striker, and their pursuit of a number 9 shouldn’t affect their interest in Havertz.
He’s seen as more of a replacement for the departing Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio in the hole behind the full on strikers.
Update #Havertz: There is contact between #RealMadrid and his management. But nothing advanced yet. Still no agreements and as reported: It’s not a fast transfer! Been told again it will take time. #CFC
One reason: He’s not considered to be a 1:1 replacement for Benzema.… pic.twitter.com/yN0bnKivFK
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 10, 2023
Things are complicated further by the fact that Real Madrid have today announced a new contract for Brahim Diaz. The attacking midfielder has been on loan at AC Milan for two years, and is genuinely “like a new signing” in that he was rather forgotten and had not impressed those at the club, but after an impressive spell in Italy he returns to take one of those slots behind the striker.
There is still another for Havertz to fill – but Madrid’s need is significantly lower than it would be had Brahim gone to Milan permanently.
