Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has revealed that Kai Havertz had the prospect to be a part of Actual Madrid earlier than his transfer to Chelsea in 2020.
The Blues paid £75m (€85m on the time) to lure a 21-year-old Havertz over to Stamford Bridge however, regardless of scoring the successful purpose in a Champions League closing, the German by no means lived as much as sky-high expectations and was bought to Arsenal final summer season.
Whereas he’s now discovering his ft on the alternative facet of London, Havertz’s profession might have appeared rather a lot completely different if he had taken Carro’s recommendation and joined Actual Madrid.
In an interview with Onda Cero, Carro revealed that Madrid had been ready to signal Havertz for €80m however they may solely afford to take action in 2021, and the ahead declined to attend round for a proposal to reach.
“I attempted to persuade Kai to attend, however he needed to win titles,” Carro confessed. “We bought to Chelsea. One of many causes was the ambition he had.”
Havertz did win the Champions League, Tremendous Cup and Membership World Cup throughout his time at Chelsea, however his return of 32 targets and 15 assists in 139 appearances left followers annoyed and, as he entered the ultimate two years of his contract, the German made it clear he needed to maneuver on.
Arsenal parted with £65m to land Havertz’s signature, with supervisor Mikel Arteta initially making an attempt to make use of the German in a midfield position. After a number of underwhelming months, Havertz has dazzled in 2024 because the beginning striker.
His return of eight targets is already tied for his most prolific Premier League season – he reached that determine in barely fewer minutes with Chelsea in 2021/22 – and Havertz has now established himself as a key participant in Arsenal’s push for Premier League glory.
As for Actual Madrid, their 2021 summer season switch window noticed Eduardo Camavinga arrive, earlier than the €80m that was put aside for Havertz was splashed on Aurelien Tchouameni 12 months later.
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