Journalist Sacha Tavolieri has now claimed that Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz could make a 'surprise' departure from Stamford Bridge in January.

The Lowdown: Chelsea's busy January...

The Blues have been very busy in terms of player incomings this year, spending a combined total of £403m across two transfer windows so far and bringing in six new faces already this month.

Backed by owner and American business tycoon Todd Boehly, the Premier League giants haven't shown any lack of ambition amid this new era at Stamford Bridge. However, after their heavy spending and with even more transfers possible before January 31, Graham Potter may need to green-light some departures.

In accordance with Financial Fair Play rules, Chelsea could soon need to balance their books after serious investment, with reporter Tavolieri now making a 'surprise' claim about Havertz on social media.

The Latest: Tavolieri makes 'surprise' Havertz exit claim...

Taking to Twitter, the reporter claimed that the 'surprise' departure of Chelsea's 2021 Champions League final hero is possible, with Bayern Munich making contact.

Tavolieri explained: "Kai Havertz linked to a surprise departure this winter? FC Bayern has been in contact this week with CFC in order to inquire about the possibility of a future deal.

"Been told things could go faster at the end of this transfer window. Wait & see."

The Verdict: Interesting...

While the 23-year-old has come in for some criticism for his displays over 2022/23, both before and after Potter's arrival, we believe that selling him this month wouldn't be wise by Chelsea.

Still young and possessing a huge ceiling for growth, the £310,000-per-week forward still stands out as a key player statistically, and one who can provide a spark of creativity under Potter. According to WhoScored, Havertz ranks among the Blues' top seven players by average match rating and is currently their top league goalscorer with five this term.

While that tally should hardly set the standard for a club like Chelsea, the Germany international is Potter's third-most used player, highlighting the faith that he has in Havertz to do a job.

Out of all Chelsea regulars with more than one start, the 23-year-old also ranks as their most threatening in terms of shots at goal per 90, so getting rid of him midway through the season would be questionable at best.