Football News: Arsenal 'close to agreeing £65m Kai Havertz deal'

Arsenal are allegedly close to reaching an agreement with Chelsea to sign Kai Havertz.

Due to his flexibility and Champions League experience, the Germany international has been named as one of Mikel Arteta's top targets this summer.

Havertz's contract at Stamford Bridge expires in two years and he has showed little appetite to sign an extension, implying that the Blues will trade him for the appropriate price this summer.

Arsenal is said to have had an initial £50 million approach rejected by Chelsea, and they then made a new offer worth close to £60 million on Tuesday in the aim of reaching an agreement.

According to The Athletic, the Blues have been holding out for at least £75 million, but Arsenal have been confident in getting the price down and are now close to finalising a fee.

According to the source, Arsenal will pay Chelsea around £65 million for the German's services, and the two teams are currently working out the finer terms of the payment structure.

Personal conditions are claimed to have already been agreed with for a long-term deal, and Havertz may reportedly expect to earn close to £210,000 per week in North London.

The sale of the 24-year-old will be welcomed by the Blues, who are looking to reduce their pay cost ahead of the new season after reporting a £121 million loss in their last financial records.

Havertz made his career with Bayer Leverkusen before joining Chelsea in 2020 for £68.8 million. He has 32 goals and 15 assists in 139 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.

The Germany international scored the game-winning goal for the Blues against Manchester City in the 2020-21 Champions League final, and he has also won the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup in West London.

Despite only scoring nine goals in 47 games in all competitions last season, Havertz finished the season as Chelsea's top Premier League scorer with seven goals, playing as a centre-forward, right flank, and number 10.

Havertz's versatility may see him play in an attacking or midfield role for the Gunners, who are striving hard this summer to reinforce their engine room.

Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey, and Albert Sambi Lokonga could all depart the club in the coming weeks, while efforts to lure Declan Rice away from West Ham United continue.

On Tuesday, the Gunners reportedly had a second bid for the 24-year-old for £90 million rejected by West Ham, who will only consider offers beyond £100 million, but they remain confident of reaching a club-record deal for the England international.

Arsenal are also interested in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, and talks with the former's representatives are said to be progressing.

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