Pep Guardiola isn’t short of attacking-midfielders with Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer at his disposal, but Simon Phillips believes Manchester City are interested in Kai Havertz.
The 23-year-old, who cost the Blues £72m in 2020, has three years remaining on his deal at Chelsea, but his long-term future is up in the air as he’s not been consistent on the pitch.
Havertz has been benched in two of Chelsea’s last three Champions League games and was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United, so he has a lot to prove.
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Why City would want to sign the German international remains to be seen, however, as Guardiola has better options in his squad and would have to pay a lofty sum to procure his signature.
Havertz doesn’t improve the City squad and attacking-midfield isn’t an area Guardiola has a fervent need to strengthen, so Simon Phillips’ claims don’t seem founded.
The 23-year-old has made 107 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 26 goals with 14 assists. Havertz netted 14 goals with six assists from 47 games across the board last season, but he’s looked human this campaign – three goals and zero assists from 15 games.
City wouldn’t pay more than £70m for an underperforming playmaker when De Bruyne, Gundogan, Foden and Silva can do a better job in his position. Palmer is being groomed for the long-term too, so Guardiola already has a young alternative to work on.
In other news, Bayern Munich ‘considering move’ for Ilkay Gundogan
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