Shocked by Benzema's exit, Ancelotti prioritizes Havertz signing not Kane

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claimed Karim Benzema’s choice to leave the club after 14 years was a surprise “last-minute” decision made on the final day of the LaLiga season.

Benzema’s departure was announced by the Spanish outfit hours before the striker netted for the final time in Real’s last game of the season on Sunday night, a penalty equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao.

It took Real’s most decorated player to 354 goals in 648 appearances and he leaves as the club’s second all-time top scorer after Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ancelotti told a press conference: “His departure was a surprise for everyone, but you have to understand it. It was a last-minute decision. Saturday he trained normally and Sunday he made this decision.

“We understand it. I spoke to him this morning and he said that he was leaving and I understood it. He has done very well with me in these four years and also at the club. For that all my thanks.

“He has thought it through and his decision is part of the transition of this club, which continues and will continue next year. We have time to think about what we have to do. We will have a competitive squad next year.

“I am sending him off knowing that I have coached one of the best players in the world and one of the best forwards. He is a very kind, humble and serious person.

“We cannot be happy about his farewell, but we have to respect his decision. He has won the right to choose and we all thank him for what he has been able to do at this club. It has been legendary, something unforgettable, and it will remain forever in the memory of this club.”

Benzema, the Ballon d’Or holder and current UEFA player of the year joined Real from Lyon in July 2009 for a reported fee of 35 million euros and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.

The former France international won 25 trophies during his time in Madrid.

He is fifth on Real’s all-time appearance list and his trophy haul in Spain includes five Champions Leagues, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, four LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey victories and four Spanish Super Cups.

Now, though, it appears that Real have already lined up Benzema’s successor and could be close to completing a deal for the Premier League star but it may not be Harry Kane as being speculated in the media.

As per German outlet BILD, the Spanish side have identified Chelsea star Kai Havertz as the perfect candidate to replace Benzema.

The report claims that a deal for the Germany international is imminent and is expected to be completed very quickly.

Havertz, 23, joined Chelsea from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 and has since endured highs and lows in west London.

In 2021, the striker netted the only goal of the game as Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1 to lift the Champions League for the second time in their history.

Havertz scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League finalIn total, though, Havertz has scored just 32 goals in 139 appearances for the club across all competitions, as well as providing 15 assists.

It is claimed in the report that a ‘mega deal’ for Havertz is moving quickly and is expected to be completed very soon.

The report also suggests that the Germany international is the ‘dream player’ of both Real boss Ancelotti and club president Florentino Perez.

Chelsea are set to allow a number of players to leave this summer as they look to balance the books and reduce their squad size after a year of spending.

Blues owner Todd Boehly has splashed out more than £500 million on 16 new signings since purchasing the club last summer, leaving new boss Mauricio Pochettino with an inflated playing squad.

Several players have been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, but it appears that Havertz could become one of the first players to leave the club when the window officially opens.