Transfer Update: Chelsea close in on Kai Havertz as Wolves in talks to sign Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks as the London side looks to complete the signing of German midfielder Kai Havertz soon.

Havertz has received interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe but has opted to move to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea close to concluding a deal with Leverkusen that could be worth up to £90m.

The Blues are also likely to add Thiago Silva whose contract at PSG expired after their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich and Leicester’s left-back Ben Chilwell to their ranks, with talks between them and Leicester continuing on Monday.

The England international is understood to be keen on the move and reports suggest the deal is “almost there”.

While both Havertz (21) and Chilwell (23) would add youth to Frank Lampard’s squad, Thiago Silva would provide some much-needed experience in defence.

Chelsea conceded 54 Premier League goals last season – more than any other side in the top half of the table – and 35-year-old Silva would be expected to help rectify the problem.

Silva is available on a free transfer after leaving PSG and with Lampard in the process of overhauling his Chelsea side following his first season in charge, in which he led the club to fourth place in the Premier League and the FA Cup final.

He has already brought on former Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from RB Leipzig for a combined £83m and Havertz, Chilwell and Silva now look set to follow.

Read more

• Chelsea Transfer update: Thiago Silva close to joining the Blues from Paris Saint Germain
• Transfer Update: Chelsea and Leicester close to agreeing a deal for defender Ben Chilwel

Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be a Wolves player soon

Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be in advanced talks with Arsenal over a four-year deal, which could see versatile player Ainsley Maitland-Niles leave the Gunners.

Wolves manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, is keen to strengthen both his central midfield and full-back options, and the versatile 22-year-old could prove worthy if he signs for the side who almost got to the semi-final of the Europa League last season.

Santo’s need to reinforce the side has intensified after defender Jonny Otto was sidelined for between six and nine months, injuring his anterior cruciate ligament in Wolves’ Europa League win against Olympiacos earlier this month.

Arsenal are keen to let the young England international leave for about £20m as Mikel Arteta looks to raise funds to rebuild his first-team squad. He has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates.

Maitland-Niles played 32 times for Arsenal last season and has represented England from U17 through to U21 level.

He was also part of the England squad that won the U20 World Cup in 2017.