Real Madrid deal Mauricio Pochettino blow as Chelsea rebuild faces fresh problem

01 June 2023 , 12:57

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Mauricio Pochettino has a big summer ahead of him at Chelsea (Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

One of Mauricio Pochettino's first big tasks at Chelsea could be to fight to keep one of the club's star players - Kai Havertz - amid interest from Real Madrid.

The Argentine is yet to officially start his tenure at Stamford Bridge, but a clear out of his inflated squad has seemingly already begun, with Mason Mount having reportedly agreed terms with Manchester United. Mateo Kovacic is also seemingly heading for the exit door, with the London club in talks with Man City over a potential deal.

Joao Felix will return to parent club at Atletico Madrid, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy and Callum Hudson-Odoi also expected to move on. And the former Tottenham and PSG boss will undoubtedly be in the market for attacking options this summer amid a barren campaign in front of goal from his new club.

Kai Havertz was frequently used as a makeshift striker by Graham Potter and interim boss Frank Lampard, an experiment which ultimately failed to pay dividends. The club scored just 38 times as they finished 12th, representing their worst top flight campaign since 1993/94.

But the German playmaker, whose goal won the 2020/21 Champions League for the Blues under Thomas Tuchel, is still seen as a pivotal figure at Stamford Bridge. And now Pochettino faces to battle to keep him, with Spanish giants Real Madrid planning to swoop.

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According to Goal , Real are planning a move for Havertz if Karim Benzema takes up his mega money offer from Saudi. The French striker has the opportunity to join champions Al-Ittihad for a staggering two-year deal worth £345million.

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Kai Havertz has been used as a makeshift striker by Chelsea this season (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Benzema, 35, has made 647 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions, scoring 353 goals. But the hierarchy at Los Blancos are now seeking a rebuild after the club failed to land the Champions League or La Liga title in the 2022/23 season.

Havertz is unlikely to be seen as a direct forward replacement for the Frenchman, but at just 23, would form part of a long-term plan at the Bernabeu. He made 47 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring nine times in all competitions, although would command a sizeable fee given he still has two years remaining on his current deal.

Ultimately, the final decision could lie with Pochettino, who has inherited a squad which contains 33 players, as well as over 20 out on loan. And he's thus far indicated a desire to take a ruthless approach to the rebuilding process.

Fraser Watson