Glen Johnson believes Kai Havertz wants to leave Chelsea this summer and would ‘bite your arm off’ for a move back to Germany.
Havertz has endured a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge since his £71m move from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2020.
The 23-year-old scored the winning goal for Chelsea in their Champions League final win over Manchester City in 2021, but Havertz’s overall record – 32 goals in 130 games – is underwhelming.
Havertz has often been used as a central striker this season but the position does not come naturally and several pundits have urged for a change in tactics.
The Germany international missed a big chance during Chelsea’s goalless draw with Liverpool on Tuesday night and cut a frustrated figure afterwards, being consoled by his compatriot Jurgen Klopp on the pitch.
Ex-Blues defender Johnson reckons Havertz would be keen to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and insists it would not be the end of the world for Chelsea if he was to depart.
‘I know he has had a few big moments and won a few big trophies, but I don’t think Kai Havertz really suits the Premier League,’ Johnson told DAZN Bet.
‘Everything he does is so slow and lethargic and, although he is a very technical player, it helps when you’re in the Bundesliga playing for a top team and doing everything really methodically with more time afforded on the ball.
‘I also think he would bite your arm off to go back to Germany, so if Chelsea have to get rid of a marquee name this summer, I think it will be him.’
Chelsea’s goalless draw with Liverpool was their first game since the sacking of Graham Potter on Sunday evening.
Potter, 47, spent less than seven months in charge of the west London club and was axed after Chelsea dropped into the bottom-half of the Premier League table.
Blues caretaker boss Bruno Saltor said: ‘We created enough chances to win the game and had two goals disallowed. The boys gave everything and they played with their heart. You can’t ask for more.’
On the mood at Stamford Bridge following Potter’s departure, Bruno added: ‘It’s been really difficult for the players. It’s not the first time they been in this situation this season.
‘As a player you invest a lot in the manager. There’s been good relationships with Graham and the players. The players have suffered as well.’
MORE : Luis Enrique flying to London for more Chelsea talks to replace Graham Potter
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