Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping a close eye on Kai Havertz's situation at Chelsea, with the Bundesliga champions long-term admirers of the Germany international.
The 23-year-old made 150 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen between 2016 and 2020, scoring 46 goals and registering 31 assists, before making the move to Chelsea in a big-money deal.
Havertz has featured on 93 occasions for the Blues in all competitions, contributing 23 goals and 14 assists, although he has largely struggled for consistency during his time at Stamford Bridge.
The German started Chelsea's 2022-23 Premier League opener against Everton last weekend, but he was withdrawn in the 75th minute of the contest, having found it difficult to make his mark.
According to Sport1, Bayern are long-term admirers of the former Leverkusen youngster and are currently keeping an eye on his position at Stamford Bridge.
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The report claims that the German champions viewed Havertz as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski earlier this summer, with club sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic making enquiries.
"We have heard that Bayern would even have preferred to place Lewandowski with Chelsea in order to bring Havertz to Munich," said journalist Kerry Hau.
Lewandowski ultimately made the move to Barcelona, while Bayern have boosted their attack this summer with the arrival of Sadio Mane, but Havertz is still said to be on the club's radar.
The forward was a regular for the Blues during the 2021-22 campaign, featuring on 47 occasions in all competitions, contributing 14 goals and six assists in the process.
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Chelsea have made five signings during this summer's transfer window, bringing in Gabriel Slonina, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kalidou Koulibaly, Raheem Sterling and Marc Cucurella.
However, the club are still in the market for a new centre-forward, with Romelu Lukaku being allowed to return on loan to Inter Milan for the 2022-23 campaign.
Armando Broja is back at Stamford Bridge this summer after a successful loan spell at Southampton last season, but a final decision on the 20-year-old's involvement this term has not yet been made.
Thomas Tuchel's side opened their 2022-23 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Everton last weekend, and they will be bidding to make it back-to-back victories at the start of the new season when they host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Matt Law
