Kai Havertz has told Bayer Leverkusen of his desire to "take the next step", CEO Fernando Carro has confirmed amid Chelsea's transfer interest.
Following the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, Frank Lampard has placed 21-year-old Havertz at the forefront of his transfer wish list, with a bid in the region of £70million expected.
Chelsea are aiming to push a deal through quickly to provide Havertz with ample time to settle in London before the 2020/21 season starts.
The German club had been adamant no deal would take place prior to the end of their Europa League campaign but, in defeat to Antonio Conte's Inter Milan, that hurdle has now been overcome.
Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has insisted Havertz will only leave this summer should their explicit conditions be met. As for the player, however, his intentions are abundantly clear.
Chelsea 2020 summer transfer window
“It was always clear that we will have talks once the Europa League season concluded,” Carro told German paper Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.
“Kai has voiced his desire to make the next step. At the moment, I can’t say whether this will work out in the near future or not.”
With defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Chelsea's season has also come to an end.
And in doing so, the long-serving Willian has confirmed his departure after seven-years at the club, subsequently completing his switch across London to Arsenal.
The Brazilian was a regular source of goals throughout his spell at Stamford Bridge, scoring nine and providing seven assists in his final season.
However, at the age of 32 years old, Chelsea were unwilling to hand him a three-year extension. And with Havertz just 21 - and already scoring 46 goals, with 31 assists in 150 games for the club - he looks a worthy replacement.
Both Voller and Carro have insisted no deal is guaranteed, but with the latter's comments that Havertz wants to complete the transfer, it's Chelsea who appear to have the upper hand in any negotiations.
