Kai Havertz has congratulated N'Golo Kante on his move to Al-Ittihad. The 32-year-old midfielder was offered the chance to extend his stay at Chelsea, but he decided to test himself in the Saudi Pro League instead.
Earlier this week, Reece James and Mason Mount wished Kante well on the next challenge in his career, branding him as the 'nicest guy in football' and a 'legend'. The France international enjoyed a fruitful seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Despite speculation over his future in west London, Havertz has paid his respects to Kante. The Germany international wrote on Instagram: "Was an absolute honour to play with you and all the best in the future."
Like Mount, Havertz's message comes as he closes in on a move to a direct rival. The 23-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal recently as Mikel Arteta prepares for the club's first Champions League campaign in six-years.
In fact, football.london understands that the Gunners could unveil Havertz as early as next week. After seeing an opening offer rejected last week, Arsenal returned with an improved bid to reach an agreement with Chelsea in a deal worth £60million, including £5million worth of add-ons.
football.london understands that Havertz is due to undergo a medical overseas this weekend and, assuming that everything goes to plan, he'll become Arteta's first signing of the summer. While the Arsenal boss may be keen to worth with the German, he's been warned against signing him.
Speaking on talkSPORT, both Jason Cundy and Ray Parlour raised their concerns. The former Chelsea defender said: "Technically he is a brilliant footballer. For me, though, he lacks a bit of heart. If you are in a battle, I am not sure he is the man you want.
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"The thing for me, if I was an Arsenal fan, that would concern me is he goes missing. He lacks a little of bit of steel, a little bit of fight, he can drift out of games very, very quickly."
While the former Arsenal midfielder said: "You need an out and out goalscorer, if you're Arsenal. They've got so much good backup play behind the striker, but they need someone to put the ball in the net.
"For me, I don't think that's the right signing. But obviously Edu and Mikel Arteta will be talking behind the scenes and thinking he can play here or there." There might be a plan for him. Any player coming into any club, you've got to give them a chance.
"But for me, it's a shame, I'd have gone for Ivan Toney but he's obviously got that ban and whether they want to take a chance with that…but he would have been the obvious choice for me."
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