Chelsea transfer recap: Declan Rice chase continues as Kai Havertz greets Lampard

Kai Havertz has finally been confirmed as a Chelsea player, ending weeks of speculation about one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.

The attacking midfielder arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for £ 72m plus add-ons, making him the Stamford Bridge team’s record signing and the sixth newcomer ahead of the new season.

We have an update on another potential big money catch as Frank Lampard looks to put the finishing touches on his team as he has already signed Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr as well as Havertz.

With just over a week to go to the start of the 2020/21 Premier League season, here’s the latest transfer news from Chelsea.

Havertz idolized the new boss Lampard

Kai Havertz has revealed that he idolized Frank Lampard as a player while explaining the role the Chelsea manager played in convincing him to sign.

As the scoring midfielders advance, Havertz couldn’t learn from anyone better than Lampard, who is Chelsea’s all-time leader with 211 of his 648 appearances for the club.

After signing a five-year contract with Chelsea, Havertz said of Lampard: “Of course it had a huge impact on my decision because I loved him as a player and saw him very often.

“And I think I can also learn from him as a coach.”

Chelsea ‘will be launched by the United goalkeeper’

Chelsea are reportedly ready to pounce on goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who may be allowed to leave Manchester United this month.

Lampard has his eye on a new shooting stopper this summer to at least compete with £ 71m keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who he has had a hard time convincing.

United’s number one David de Gea will be challenged by Dean Henderson next season after his impressive campaign on loan at Sheffield United.

Opportunities for Romero will be few and far between next season, and United Executive Vice President Woodward is keen to sell the Argentine.

And Chelsea is considering making a move, according to The Athletic.

The Blues’ Rice quest is not over

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It has already been an excellent summer for Chelsea, but their expenses may not be finished yet.

They may need to sell to buy, and N’Golo Kante continues to be tied to an exit as manager Frank Lampard tries to free up funds to get Declan Rice back to West London.

West Ham midfielder Rice joined the Hammers after being fired by Chelsea as a teenager and is reportedly valued at around £ 70 million.

As reported by Football Insider, Real Madrid and Inter Milan are interested in Kante, who could be allowed to leave for £ 60 million to ensure Chelsea can move in for Rice this summer.

The 29-year-old Frenchman battled injuries last season, starting just 20 league games, while the 21-year-old Rice, an ever-present in the top flight, finished last season as West Ham’s player of the year.

Football Insider had previously reported that Chelsea favored a more effective player deal for Rice, who is on England’s team for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.