This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Chelsea's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz has taken a significant turn, with the Blues looking to offload six players to raise the massive £90million fee demanded by the German club.
Frank Lampard's side has already made significant signings this summer, with Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech joining the ranks, but the English tactician is keen to further strengthen his squad.
According to reports, the six players on the chopping board are Marcos Alonso, Michy Batshuayi, Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Kenedy, and Emerson Palmieri.
Alonso and Emerson are reportedly on their way out, with the west London club seeking to strengthen at the back. Batshuayi, meanwhile, is out of favour at Stamford Bridge, while Drinkwater and Bakayoko have been deemed surplus to requirements.
Havertz, who has scored nine goals and assisted 17 others this season, has been a target for Chelsea, and Lampard is keen to rebuild a new-look side that fits his philosophy.
As the Blues push to challenge for the Premier League title next season, they are willing to part with players deemed surplus to requirements to raise the funds needed for the transfer of the German international.
