Chelsea forward Kai Havertz will have a medical this weekend ahead of completing his move to Arsenal, while talks continue over Declan Rice.
Havertz’s medical is likely to take place overseas due to the player’s schedule and, all being well, a formal announcement of his £65m move could come next week.
Chelsea are understood to be satisfied with the deal as Havertz has made it clear he wants to leave Stamford Bridge.
It spells the end of a three-year stint at Chelsea for Havertz, who secured his place in the club’s history by scoring the goal that won them a second Champions League crown in 2021.
Chelsea signed Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for £75m but were looking to recoup a substantial portion of what they paid after an indifferent campaign.
The proposed transfer to Arsenal generates much-needed funds for the Blues while strengthening and adding versatility to Mikel Arteta’s attacking options as the Gunners attempt to build on last season’s second-place finish in the Premier League.
Arsenal also remain in talks with West Ham over the signing of Rice. There is an expectation they will make a third offer after having a club-record bid worth £90m rejected.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are set to enter the race to sign the West Ham captain. Sky in Italy are reporting City are prepared to pay £75m + £15m in bonuses payable across two years for Rice.
Thomas Partey could also be on the move, with Juventus interested, although there has been no formal bid yet.
Arsenal want a degree of certainty about arrivals before sanctioning any departures.
How would Havertz be remembered at Chelsea? Which club would be getting the better end of the deal? And what are the qualities that make him so appealing to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta?
