After learning Kai Havertz won’t be signing a new deal, Chelsea is under pressure to lower their asking price for the Arsenal target.
Although they are keen on making a deal for Havertz, Arsenal has so far shown reluctance to match their London rivals’ £70 million asking price for the 24-year-old.
According to sources, Havertz is willing to move to Arsenal, and the club does not consider his current salary at Chelsea, which is estimated to be approximately £220,000 per week, to be a barrier to a transfer.
They have already had one offer rejected, but they plan to come back with a stronger offer.
If Bayern Munich enters the race after earlier expressing interest in Havertz, that remains to be seen.
Although Havertz is understood to have informed the club he has no wish to extend his contract, which expires in 2025, Chelsea will hope Bayern will submit a proposal to assist raise the price.
In addition to playing as a No. 10 or No. 8, Arsenal has reportedly stated that they believe Havertz is capable of playing in any of three attacking positions in an interchangeable front line at the top of a 4-3-3 formation. The versatility of Havertz is a key draw for Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, who personally participated in the discussions.
However, given that Havertz was acquired by Chelsea for £71 million in September 2020 and that he had a chequered tenure at Stamford Bridge, the asking price is surprising.
Havertz is valued at the same amount Chelsea is asking for Mason Mount, who is piqueing Manchester United’s interest. Sources claimed that Chelsea turned down United’s £40 million offer last week.
While struggling to maintain consistency in his performances, Havertz scored the game-winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final, scoring 32 goals in 139 games across all competitions.
