Chelsea identify three quality alternatives for top summer target

Chelsea identify three alternatives to Kai Havertz

German sensation Kai Havertz has emerged as a key summer transfer target for Chelsea.

The Bayer Leverkusen star is keen to move to the Bridge. However, both clubs still remain far apart regarding his valuation.

The Blues to their credit are not putting all their eggs in one basket. According to Football.london, Chelsea have been linked to three alternatives in case the Havertz deal gets nowhere.

Although both clubs are eventually expected to come to an agreement, our actions will not see us get caught out in case the deal goes south.

The first name on the list is Roma midfielder, Lorenzo Pellegrini. The 24-year-old has proved his credentials as a creative number 10.

Although the Italian is not at the same level as Havertz, he is capable of doing a solid job. In fact, he could play more of a supporting role when compared to the German.

Pellegrini is also a comparatively cheaper alternative, freeing up money to be used elsewhere. Given the surgery that the Chelsea squad needs, this could prove critical.

The second player is RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku. The 22-year-old joined the German giants from PSG last season. He has seen his reputation rise after a number of solid performances.

With him set to face off against his former side in the Champions League semifinals, he could once again showcase his precarious talent for all to see.

Nkunku is a versatile player who will offer the Blues the same flexibility as Havertz. The young Frenchman can play as a playmaker, out wide or even as a second striker.

Bringing him to Stamford Bridge will see him reunite with former Leipzig ace Timo Werner. The duo showed a promising understanding at the Red Bull Arena and could renew it at the Bridge.

Although neither Pellegrini nor Nkunku have been linked with a move to the Bridge before, the article goes on to suggest that they could do a fine job for Frank Lampard’s men.

The last name on the list is a familiar one for Chelsea fans. Philippe Coutinho is one of the best players in the world when on song.

The Samba star has however failed to light up the Nou Camp the same way he did so at Liverpool. Currently on loan at Bayern Munich, he came off the bench to put his parent club to the sword.

Two goals and an assist in a handful of minutes show he still has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. A player familiar with the way the Premier League works, he would not need time to adapt to the English game.

With Barcelona set to ask a massive fee for the Brazilian, a loan deal looks more likely.

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Although Chelsea have signed both Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, the squad is far from balanced.

Lampard must also ensure that the management looks to revamp what has been a very shaku defence. The Blues need a well-balanced team in order to compete against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.