Here are the Chelsea morning headlines for Thursday, August 20.
Latest on Havertz
Frank Lampard may have signed Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech already this summer, but it’s clear he would also like to add Kai Havertz to his attacking options for 2020/21 as well.
The Bayer Leverkusen starlet looks set to become the most expensive German player ever, but Chelsea are yet to offer an amount which meets what Bayer Leverkusen’ club are looking for.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that an agreement is close to being finalised though.
The clubs are said to be about £16million apart, but the Blues are hoping that they can make up the difference with various add-on fees.
Henderson comments on his future
While Chelsea are looking to improve the front end of their team, they are also reportedly intent on signing a new goalkeeper too.
Kepa Arrizabalaga had a rough campaign in 2019/20, with his poor form leading Lampard to drop him in preference to veteran back-up Willy Caballero.
Dean Henderson, the Manchester United goalkeeper who has spent the last two seasons on loan with Sheffield United, is said to be the Blues’ top target.
The 23-year-old issued a statement on Twitter, thanking the Blades for his time with them and also looking ahead to the future.
"I can’t wait for the next chapter,” he wrote.
Injury updates ahead of pre-season
The Premier League fixtures for 2020/21 are released this morning, and clubs will be playing pre-season fixtures shortly as they prepare for the new campaign.
Lampard may have to do without three members of his squad though, as they continue their recovery from injuries which were sustained at the end of last season.
Billy Gilmour is still recovering from knee surgery and won’t be available for a while. Christian Pulisic also looks set to miss the opening weeks of the new season following the injury he suffered in the FA Cup final.
But there was better news from Cesar Azpilicueta, who says he should be back for pre-season. Full injury round-up is here
