According to reports, Arsenal will ‘turn their attention’ to signing Kai Havertz from Chelsea after completing a deal to buy Declan Rice from West Ham.
The Gunners look set to sign Rice from the Hammers in the coming days. The midfielder is understood to be ‘on the verge’ of finalising his £100m move to the Emirates after Real Madrid dropped out of the race to buy him.
Rice has been considered to be Arsenal’s main target in the months leading up to this summer’s transfer window but they are expected to strengthen in various positions.
Arsenal mounted an unexpected challenge for the Premier League title in 2022/23 and this saw them qualify for the Champions League. The Londoners will have a busier schedule next season so Mikel Arteta will want to have a bigger squad at his disposal.
The Daily Mail are reporting that Arsenal ‘are interested in pursuing a move for Chelsea star Havertz this summer and will turn their attention to the German after luring Rice to the Emirates’.
Arsenal’s deal for Rice could be sealed ‘by the end of this week’ and they are now ‘keen on’ Havertz. The report adds.
‘The Gunners will look to prize the 24-year-old away from Stamford Bridge after Rice puts pen to paper in north London.
‘Havertz was a regular fixture in Chelsea’s front line throughout last season, and Blues co-owner Todd Boehly is not eager to sell the Germany international cheaply.
‘Arsenal, who will be expected to fork out a considerable transfer sum to land Havertz this summer, plan to reassess their budget after splashing out on Rice for a expected fee worth north of £100million.
‘But Blues co-owner Todd Boehly does not plan to part with the German international cheaply
‘The Emirates chiefs plan to close the gap to City by bringing in a centre-back as well, although this position is not being viewed as a priority.’
The 24-year-old was involved in ten goals in his 47 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions during the 2022/23 season.
“As far as I’m aware Kai Havertz is of interest to Arsenal. When I first saw these links I was like ‘this can’t be right.’ I thought could Arsenal really be interested in Havertz?” Watts said.
“But as far as I’ve been told there is interest in Havertz and he is a player they are talking about this summer. The fact that he is on the list of potential targets has surprised me, but he very much is on the list.”
