Here are your Chelsea evening headlines for Friday, July 31.
Leverkusen chief sends Chelsea clear Havertz message
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has revealed the club are yet to receive an official offer for Kai Havertz.
Havertz, 21, was in fine form for Leverkusen last season, registering 12 goals and six assists in 30 Bundesliga games.
Chelsea are hopeful of making the talented midfielder their third official signing of 2020 following on from deals for Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
Speaking on the situation, Rolfes confirmed the club had not yet received a bid from Chelsea.
“So far we have no offer,” he told Sky Germany. “We know about the interest of clubs, but there is no official offer.
“We have said several times that we will end the season with our entire squad. And that includes Kai. That goes without saying for us.”
Chelsea chasing Atletico star Gimenez
Jose Maria Gimenez is being tracked by Chelsea and Manchester City, according to ESPN.
However, Gimenez has a release clause of £108million in his contract and Atletico will demand that is paid if the Uruguayan is to leave, which both Man City and Chelsea are likely to find a stumbling block.
Frank Lampard is keen to strengthen his defensive options this summer and views Gimenez as an excellent option available to him.
It is claimed the Chelsea boss believes Gimenez would be “like signing a 30-year-old centre-back” due to his experience in La Liga and for Uruguay.
Rudiger unhappy with 2019/20 form
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has revealed he is unhappy with his performances this season.
Rudiger was absent at the start of the campaign due to injury and has been limited to just 20 Premier League appearances this term.
“For me personally, first of all I do not want to give any excuses, definitely it has been a tough season with everything,” Rudiger said.
“Just in the performances, there were some good games and also bad games. It has been up and down.
“Me, personally with my season I am not that happy. But at the end of the day as a collective, we achieved our goals, and this is what matters. We still have two games to go, and this is what I am focused on.
“Everything else I will analyse myself and go on next season. [Defensive record] is definitely something we need to work on. I think it has more to do with consistency.
You can read his full quotes here.
