Real Madrid lining up a big move for Chelsea's Kai Havertz

Los Blancos star striker Karim Benzema looks set to leave the club this summer

According to rumours, Chelsea forward Kai Havertz has apparently been mentioned privately at Real Madrid as a potential Karim Benzema successor.

In his third season at Stamford Bridge, the German international has had another dismal campaign, scoring just seven goals in 35 Premier League games.

Although Havertz, who is only 23 years old, is only going to get better, it is widely acknowledged that Chelsea needs more attack firepower if they hope to force their way back into the top-four race for next season.

Mauricio Pochettino dismissed keeping Joao Felix at West London, and the Argentine may now need to make a crucial choice about his replacement of Havertz.

As Los Blanco's plan to part ways with talismanic forward Benzema, Havertz is reportedly one of the names being discussed in Madrid, according to Spanish journalist José Félix Daz, who made the revelation on the TV programme El Chiringuito.

According to reports, Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia have offered the Frenchman a hefty two-year contract worth an astounding £345 million.

Following 14 years of dedication to the undisputed rulers of Europe, Benzema may now leave Real Madrid if he is as intrigued by the offer as many believe he is.

Real Madrid are also interested in other players, including Richarlison, but hasn't decided who their first target will be if Karim Benzema leaves.

In addition to scoring the winning goal in Chelsea's 2021 Champions League final victory over Manchester City after spending over £70 million on Havertz, the former Bayer Leverkusen player has flattered to deceive.

Pochettino is rumoured to be interested in signing another striker this summer to combine with Christopher Nkunku, who will back up Chelsea's frontline when he joins from RB Leipzig the following season.

The forward was also the subject of a premature inquiry from Real Madrid last summer, who were also interested in signing him while he was at the BayArena.