Real Madrid have now placed Kai Havertz on their shortlist as they consider making an offer for the Chelsea striker.

That is according to MARCA in Spain.

If the deal materializes, then Kai Havertz could be replacing one of the best forwards on the planet.

What’s the story?

Well – out of nowhere – Karim Benzema looks set to leave the Santiago Bernabeu to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

As a result, Carlo Ancelotti is on the lookout for a new striker, with Havertz now shortlisted by Real Madrid in their search to bring a new No.9 to the Spanish capital.

MARCA state that Real Madrid believe the Germany international – who Chelsea paid £71m for in September 2020 – would be a good fit in their attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.

In truth, it is somewhat surprising that the Spanish giants are looking at Havertz, as he endured an underwhelming 2022/23 campaign.

The Chelsea No.29 scored just seven goals in 35 Premier League appearances as the Blues finished 12th.

Pochettino may block Real Madrid from signing Havertz

Despite his difficult 2022/23 season, Havertz is a talented footballer, and Mauricio Pochettino seems to be more than aware of that.

Journalist Simon Phillips recently claimed on Substack that the Argentine is keen to work with the 23-year-old at Stamford Bridge, so Real Madrid may find it tough to lure him away from west London.

In our view, it would be wrong to give up on Havertz and sell him this summer.

The German has simply been a victim of a chaotic campaign at Chelsea and was not the only one who struggled to adjust to having Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard all in charge throughout one season.

Under Pochettino – who helped the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli score freely at Tottenham – we would expect a major improvement from Havertz.