Bayer Leverkusen Executive Admits There Is No 'Corona Discount' for Chelsea Target Kai Havertz

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller insists the coronavirus pandemic with not drive down the price of Kai Havertz as Chelsea attempt to secure a deal for the 21-year-old midfield sensation.

Havertz has emerged as one of the most sought after players in world football after a dazzling two seasons in the Bundesliga.

The German international has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, but a fee is yet to be accepted.

Chelsea are said to value Havertz at £70m, but Leverkusen are holding out for £90m for the 21-year-old - and Voller says the financial implications of coronavirus will do nothing to affect their asking price.

"In times of corona it may actually be that the transfer fees have decreased for many players," the Leverkusen sporting director told german news outlet Sportbuzzer. "But this is not the case with exceptional players like Havertz or Jadon Sancho. There is no corona discount for them."

Despite the pandemic severely impacting match day revenue and club finances, Voller insisted Leverkusen were under no pressure to sell Havertz, and admitted they would happily keep him at the club for another season.

"What makes Kai Havertz so interesting is the fact that he embodies world class in four or five positions," Voller added.

"Of course we would be very happy if he stayed for another year. It is clear that the departure of such a player, despite the high transfer fee, always means a loss - see Leipzig and Werner.

"There is nothing new in this regard, and we are still very relaxed about it."

While Covid-19 has affected the summer activity of the majority of top flight sides, Chelsea are prepared to spend lavishly following the lifting of their transfer ban.

The Blues have already brought in Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, and are still targeting defensive reinforcements in addition to Havertz - although a deal for the midfielder may have to be paid in instalments.