Arsenal Transfers: Gunners serious about signing Kai Havertz

At first, the Kai Havertz to Arsenal rumours seemed to be the product of a slow news day. However, reputable sources have since confirmed that the Gunners are very much in for the Chelsea man.

A busy summer is in the offing at the Emirates. Arsenal, who came somewhat out of nowhere to emerge as Man City’s closest challenger in the Premier League title race, are determined to improve and once again compete with the Citizens in 2023/24. A midfield reshuffle is expected, with superior depth required up top and in defence. Then, on the outgoings front, several names must be shipped out one way or another.

Many expected the first David Ornstein bomba of the summer to mention West Ham captain Declan Rice, who is said to be edging closer to an Arsenal move, but on Wednesday afternoon, Ornstein revealed that the Gunners have sent an opening proposal to Chelsea for Havertz’s services.

It’s interest questioned by many, but who are we to doubt Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar given their track record in recent windows?

Gunners serious about signing Kai Havertz

The Havertz link was one that few believed – or wanted to believe – but the latest reports have given supporters no choice but to come around to the prospect of Havertz potentially joining the club.

A current sticking point is Chelsea’s valuation – said to be in excess of £70m – but Fabrizio Romano reports that there’s belief the Blues could be flexible at the negotiating table. Havertz, who has two years left on his Chelsea deal and has no sign of signing an extension, is said to be keen on the move, but the west London club will have to knock a fair amount off their current asking price.

The German international, labelled a potential future Ballon d’Or winner during his time with Bayer Leverkusen, has struggled for consistency since joining Chelsea in 2021. Havertz has often been thrust into an unfavourable centre-forward role during his time at Stamford Bridge, with his best football coming in a free-roaming #10 position.

Such a role is absent from Arteta’s system at Arsenal, but he could be deployed to greater effect as a false nine or as one of the advancing midfield #8s.

The Gunners’ interest in Havertz is certainly curious, and for now, it appears Arsenal are some way off striking a deal.