Mauricio Pochettino has already made up his mind about Kai Havertz (Pictures: Getty)
Real Madrid will attempt to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea this summer – but Mauricio Pochettino intends to block the move, according to reports.
Germany international Havertz is one of a number of players at Stamford Bridge whose future at the club is far from certain.
Chelsea need to offload several stars this summer to trim Pochettino’s bloated squad and raise some funds following a sensational spending spree sanctioned by Todd Boehly.
Havertz has been linked with a move away from west London after another frustrating season in which he scored just seven goals in 35 Premier League games.
Chelsea spent more than £70m to sign Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2020 but the 23-year-old has largely flattered to deceive.
In Havertz’s defence, he has often been asked to play as a central striker – a position that does not naturally – and has already played under three different Chelsea managers.
Despite Havertz’s struggles at Chelsea, Real Madrid are expected to launch a summer move for the German, with Carlo Ancelotti keen to welcome him to the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is an admirer of the Chelsea star (Picture: Getty)
Real Madrid have made Tottenham captain Harry Kane their top target amid speculation club legend Karim Benzema is set to leave, but Ancelotti will look to Havertz if they fail to poach Kane from Spurs.
Madrid are set for disappointment in their pursuit of Havertz, however, with Spanish outlet AS claiming he is viewed as an ‘essential’ member of the Chelsea squad by new manager Pochettino.
Chelsea are said to be open to offers for Havertz but Pochettino will likely block his departure as he believes he will be of use next season.
Pochettino has his work cut at Stamford Bridge, having taking over a Chelsea side that finished just 12th in the Premier League last term.
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Poch has already made up his mind.