Arsenal hold an interest in Chelsea star Kai Havertz, football.london understands. Chelsea are understood to want around £70million for the German international who has two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad considerably this summer as Mikel Arteta seeks to form a squad capable of competing in both the Premier League and Champions League. Havertz is viewed as a player who could help with this, but his price tag could be an issue for Arsenal despite the 24-year-old being open to the idea of moving to the Emirates Stadium.
Havertz has shown no indication that he would be keen on signing a new deal with the Blues, but he will not push for an exit at Stamford Bridge this summer - as things stand. However, glowing praise from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry for Havertz could convince the Gunners to push for an agreement.
The French icon compared Havertz to Robin van Persie following Chelsea's win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League earlier this season. "I thought he was good on the first goal you could see held the ball ever so well," Henry told CBS Sports.
"He reminds me sometimes, a little, of Robin [van Persie] back to goal the way he can hold the ball. Robin van Persie was very good with his left foot, the touch was always immaculate he tried to bring people along.
"This is why out of the guys that used to be wingers or No.10 he plays as a nine because with his his back to goal he can hold the ball well. Now he needs to make sure he can transform that into more goals because you can play off him."
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Havertz has often been deployed as a striker in his time with the Blues, but he has failed to prove himself as a world-class forward. Mauricio Pochettino is hoping to sign a new striker this summer with Christopher Nkunku set to arrive at the club as well.
Havertz's first 91 Premier League games have seen him score just 19 goals. Van Persie, meanwhile, scored 28 in his first 87 league matches for Arsenal.
It is unclear what position Arsenal would view Havertz in as things stand. The Gunners are interested in bringing in a versatile forward who can play across the front line this summer, so the 24-year-old could fit the bill.
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