ARSENAL have been joined by Treble winners Manchester City in the race to sign Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, according to reports.
According to the Guardian, the skilful midfielder expressed to his club that he would like to leave this summer despite having a contract with Chelsea until 2025.
The report suggests that the club are willing to release Havertz early and have asked for a £70m fee.
Chelsea bought Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for £75m and he has since gone on to score many impressive goals for the club including the winner for their 2021 Champions League triumph.
They report also says The Blues are lining up their own replacements for Havertz by targeting midfielders such as Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.
Havertz has only only 19 goals in 91 appearances for Chelsea, prompting Arsenal fans to feel confused at Michel Arteta’s decision to pursue the player.
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It is reported however that Arteta wishes to use Havertz as an attacking midfielder rather than a No 9.
Arsenal are also looking to sign Declan Rice for the upcoming 2023 season – after the club’s fixtures were announced earlier today.
However The Gunners face competition for Havertz as Manchester City are also looking to move for the 23-year-old.
Reports indicate Man City are looking to clear out their team in this summer’s transfer window but remain dependent on where midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva end up before bidding.
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The Treble winners had targeted Jude Bellingham but after the England man joined Real Madrid, their attentions have reportedly turned to Celta Vigo’s Gabriel Veiga and Havertz..
Meanwhile, Arsenal face another blow after Man City star Gundogan was reported to have chosen Barcelona over them, according to Mundo Deportivo.
West Ham have also just rejected Arsenal’s bid for Declan Rice at £80m.
Arsenal are yet to decide if they are willing to pay what would be a record- breaking fee for the club.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
