Kai Havertz's Germany teammates Timo Werner and Antonio Rudiger have reportedly convinced the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder to join Chelsea this summer.
The Blues have been given the green light to press ahead with plans to sign the 21-year-old after securing Champions League qualification on the final day of the season.
Chelsea have already brought in Werner and Hakim Ziyech this summer, and a third deal to sign Havertz is thought to be nearing its conclusion after the German international expressed his desire to leave Leverkusen last week.
football.london reports that his compatriots Werner and Rudiger have been encouraging him to move to Stamford Bridge, selling him on the club's vision under manager Frank Lampard.
Havertz is now keen to push through a deal by as early as next week, although the two clubs must first agree a fee for the attacking midfielder.
Chelsea are also understood to be looking at a new goalkeeper, left-back and centre-back as they plan a big-spending summer despite the financial impact of coronavirus.
Barney Corkhill
