CHELSEA have been warned that transfer target Kai Havertz could be missing the strength and power to succeed in the Premier League.
Former Arsenal favourite Lukas Podolski may have set alarm bells ringing at Stamford Bridge with his assessment of the attacker.
Kai Havertz has told Leverkusen he wants to move on
Frank Lampard is thought to be close to securing a £90million deal for the Germany star.
Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has revealed Havertz has told them he wants to move on.
He said: “Kai has voiced his desire to make the next step.”
Chelsea would be signing a player who at 21 has seven caps for Germany and bagged 12 goals in the Bundesliga last season.
But Podolski, who himself made the move from Germany to England when he joined the Gunners in 2012, isn’t sure Havertz is cut out for the Premier League.
He said: “He’s a great talent. On the ball he is so creative, but he’s still young — let’s see if he can fit into the Premier League.
“I think he is still missing some strength and power, but he should taste the drink of the Premier League and see if he likes it.
“I did, but I knew I would like it. I’m strong, I have a good shot, I’m from the street, I’m like a pitbull. I knew I could deal with the Premier League with the long balls, the physical side and the referees.”
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While Chelsea are still working on securing a deal for Havertz, they have already completed the transfer of compatriot Timo Werner.
The striker joined from RB Leipzig earlier this summer and Podolski appears more convinced the striker will be a hit at the Bridge.
He told The Athletic: “When you score 28 goals in the Bundesliga, you are a good player.
“He’s quick, has a good shot, runs a lot and will fit in with this Chelsea team with its young players and coach, if they can accommodate him.”
SunSport exclusively revealed today two other Chelsea transfer targets.
Lampard is desperate to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga and has turned his sights on Watford veteran Ben Foster.
However, they face competition from Everton to sign the former England goalkeeper.
They are also closing in on a £40m move for Lewis Dunk from Brighton.
Tottenham are also in the frame for the centre-back, however Dunk is a lifelong Chelsea fan and that could swing the deal in their favour.
Lampard needs to stiffen up a defence that conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season — more than any other team in the top ten.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
