Arsenal have opened talks with Chelsea for Kai Havertz but will not pay his £75 million asking price as discussions could continue.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal and Chelsea have held talks for the transfer of Kai Havertz. The Blues are keen on selling the £75 million-rated star as he might not sign a new contract, but the Gunners are unwilling to pay the requested price.
On Wednesday, Kai Havertz became the news when reports emerged of Arsenal’s concrete interest in the £75 million-rated star. Chelsea are considering several sales in the window to generate funds, as they might add the German international to that list.
The first concern from Chelsea is the season the attacker had and then his contract situation. Havertz will have two years left on his deal, and it would be in the club’s best interest to sell him if there’s no agreement over a new contract.
But, their £75 million valuation of Havertz could prove problematic, which may have stalled a move with Real Madrid. The Spanish giants were seemingly interested in signing the German as a replacement for Karim Benzema but hesitated to pay Chelsea’s asking price.
Arsenal are in talks to sign Kai Havertz after positive contacts on player side — he’s keen on the move. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
Chelsea want around £75m for Havertz now, Arsenal will not pay that amount.
⛔️ Real Madrid talks currently off.
⏳ Arsenal priority: bid for Declan Rice soon. pic.twitter.com/M6xrKfwMtJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 14, 2023
Now, Arsenal have cemented their interest with a reported offer for Havertz. Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein confirmed the Gunners were in talks over a deal for the £75 million-rated but unwilling to pay that price. Romano also stated the player was keen on the move after the north Londoners held positive talks with his representatives.
Mikel Arteta wanted to bring in a new attacker, possibly someone versatile. Havertz ticks many boxes for the Arsenal manager, so the Spaniard is keen to seal a deal. Yet, much will depend on how talks go between the two clubs, with the Gunners likely to pay a lesser fee than his £75 million valuation.
Arsenal will likely start pushing for a move once they can bring their primary midfield target. The Gunners are on the cusp of signing Declan Rice from West Ham, and then they can focus on Havertz or even Moises Caicedo.
Signing Havertz from a close city rival will be a coup for Arsenal. Arteta will hope to revive the player who has lost confidence after a disappointing season with Chelsea, where he also came in for criticism.