Arsenal are expected to make German attacker Kai Havertz their first summer signing this week after they submitted a second bid for the Chelsea man on Tuesday, it has been reported.
The Gunners emerged as shock contenders for Havertz’ signature last week, with Mikel Arteta keen to nurse the 24-year-old back to his Bayer Leverkusen form following three disappointing seasons with Chelsea in which he has failed to hit double figures for either goals or assists.
Arsenal have already seen one bid turned down for the German, but have now returned with a second more significant offer, believed to be consisting of £55m plus a further £5m in performance-based add-ons, though it is unclear how achievable those add-ons would be.
Though Chelsea were initially holding out for £70m, it is hoped that financial fair play pressures and the fact that Havertz is in the final two years of his contract will convince the west London side to compromise on the fee and accept Arsenal’s offer, which has been made verbally.
Meanwhile, personal terms are not thought to be an issue, with Havertz having agreed a five year deal which will see him earn around £210,000 per week. Though there was interest from both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, the German was keen to remain in the Premier League.
The deal could even be completed this week, with international matches now over and transfer business ramping up. As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the ‘expectation around Kai Havertz deal is to get the agreement done this week’, a move which would make him Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.
