Kai Havertz has emerged as a target for Arsenal this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to further bolster his options. The Gunners are said to be looking to strengthen their squad quite considerably in order to compete in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
football.london understands that an offer worth £60million plus £5million in add-ons has been agreed between Chelsea and Arsenal. With personal terms not being a problem, the German forward is set to become Arteta's first signing of the summer.
At Bayer Leverkusen, he enjoyed his best performances in a free-roaming attacking midfield role, but at Chelsea he's been tasked with leading the line as a false-nine. Nevertheless, Arsenal are keen to bring in a versatile forward who can play across the frontline, so Havertz could play deputy to Gabriel Jesus or even Bukayo Saka on the right.
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at all the latest news regarding a potential move to Arsenal for Havertz.
Medical booked
Kai Havertz's medical ahead of his £65million transfer to Arsenal will take place over the weekend, football.london understands.
The medical is likely to take place overseas and if all goes according to plan, the announcement is expected early next week.
Arteta influence
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was instrumental in convincing Havertz that his future would be better suited under his management as he progresses into his prime years as a player, football.london understands.
Havertz's versatility to play as a centre-forward and in midfield makes him an attractive purchase for Arsenal.
New bid
Arsenal are said to have made a fresh offer for Havertz with a verbal offer of £60million for the Chelsea man. It is reported that the deal will include a guaranteed £55million with the rest in add-ons.
Personal terms have reached a broad agreement between the two parties.
Arsenal confidence
Arsenal are confident they can secure a deal with Chelsea for Kai Havertz in the region of £60million, less than their quoted valuation of £70million. That's according to the Guardian, which claims that the Blues' need to sell plays a huge factor, while the Gunners are looking to beat Bayern Munich to his signature.
Bayern Munich interest
Bayern Munich are set to rival Arsenal for the signing of Kai Havertz in the summer transfer window, according to reports from the Daily Mail. The move could see the forward reunite with former boss Thomas Tuchel, whom he played under in his time at Chelsea.
Bid rejected
Arsenal have had an opening bid for Kai Havertz rejected by Chelsea this summer, according to a report from The Telegraph. The Gunners have offered less than the Blues' £70million valuation, but there's belief that a deal can be struck at far less than that price, with personal terms not being an issue.
Real Madrid plan
According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid will turn to Havertz if they cannot prise Harry Kane from Tottenham. However, the report states that Los Blancos are set for disappointment, claiming that Mauricio Pochettino sees the German as an 'essential' member of his rebuild project.
AS add that Chelsea are open to offers for Havertz, but the Argentine will likely block his departure. Earlier this year, the Blues ace was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich, which he later rubbished by insisting that he's happy in west London.
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Havertz verdict
While on international duty in March, Havertz told Sport Bild: "Bayern are generally a huge club that it's hard to say no to as a German player. But my personal goal has always been to play abroad at some point. In England or Spain."
Tuchel claim
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Havertz credited Thomas Tuchel for reshaping his outlook on football for the better. The Chelsea star said: "Tuchel gave me a different idea of football. Every detail counts, every centimetre, how you touch the ball, how you control, where you pass, which foot, movement, creating spaces - he’s just top level.
"To come and win the Champions League in six months says it all. My brother and I used to watch every Champions League game and to hold the trophy with your family on the pitch was such a relief.
"I scored this goal, I can be happy. I made my childhood dream come true. And the ambition is still there. In the league we are not very good and we feel for the fans but against Dortmund, the atmosphere was the best I have seen. You feel the excitement.
"The Premier League is big and winning it may be even more difficult but the Champions League is different. Hearing that anthem, playing at night: it’s special."
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