Chelsea are edging closer to the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz.
The 21-year-old midfielder has attracted interest from a host of top clubs this summer thanks to his performances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 12 goals and delivering six assists in 30 league appearances.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with Havertz, but Chelsea made the first concrete move and have been in negotiations for the Germany international in recent months.
Despite the Bundesliga club refusing to budge from their valuation of the midfielder, the Blues have seemingly reached an agreement, and it is understood that Chelsea are set to meet Leverkusen's £80million valuation with some of the deal being paid for in add-ons.
Havertz's arrival would see him join several other high profile Chelsea signings, with Blues head coach Frank Lampard aware of the need to strengthen in other areas.
The Blues have completed the capture of Thiago Silva, after the defender's contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired, and Ben Chilwell has joined from Leicester City, with Lampard targeting left-back as a priority position to strengthen this summer.
The trio were joined by Malang Sarr on a free transfer, but it is thought the French defender will be loaned out for the upcoming season.
With the arrivals joining Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech as Chelsea's major summer signings, Lampard is set to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to selecting his side for the Blues' opening day clash at Brighton.
The west Londoners begin their 2020/21 Premier League season at the Amex Stadium, before hosting champions Liverpool a week later.
Werner and Ziyech look set to make their top flight debuts in England, whilst Chilwell, Havertz and Thiago will also surely be among Lampard's best XI.
The Blues are still chasing a new goalkeeper, with doubts over Kepa Arrizabalaga's future, but Willy Caballero could again start if there is no new number one by the start of the season.
Chelsea have been linked in recent weeks with Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with reports claiming the Blues are mulling over the prospect of launching a bid for the shot-stopper, who is valued at £27million.
There will be increased competition for midfield places with Havertz's arrival, and Mateo Kovacic could be the one to miss out if Lampard opts for two attacking players in his midfield three.
Possible Chelsea XI to face Brighton on the opening day: Caballero, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell, Kante, Mount, Havertz, Pulisic, Werner, Ziyech.
