Sources have informed ESPN that Chelsea is feeling the pressure to reduce their asking price for Kai Havertz, who has no intention of signing a new contract with the club. Arsenal is interested in pursuing a move for Havertz but has been hesitant to meet their London rivals’ £70 million valuation for the 24-year-old.
Arsenal is open to the possibility of signing Havertz, and the club does not view his existing wage at Chelsea as too high for a transfer. Arsenal has already had one offer rejected but is expected to return with an improved bid. However, it remains to be seen whether Bayern Munich will enter the running, having previously expressed an interest in Havertz.
Havertz’s Versatility Attracts Arsenal
During negotiations, sources have told ESPN that Arsenal indicated they see Havertz as capable of playing in any of three attacking positions in an interchangeable forward line at the top of a 4-3-3 system. Havertz’s versatility is a big attraction for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who has played a personal role in negotiations.
Chelsea, however, is asking for the same valuation for Havertz as they are demanding for Mason Mount, who is currently attracting interest from Manchester United. Sources told ESPN that Chelsea rejected a bid of £40m from United last week. There is surprise at Chelsea’s asking price given they signed Havertz for £71m in September 2020, and he has endured a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge. Havertz scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final but struggled to find consistency in his performances, scoring 32 goals in 139 games in all competitions.
Chelsea Looking to Raise Funds
Chelsea is currently under a degree of pressure to raise funds before June 30, as they seek to mitigate losses resulting from spending around £600m on players only to miss out on qualifying for any European qualification next season. Havertz’s valuation is the same as the price Chelsea is demanding for Mason Mount, who is attracting interest from Manchester United.
Meanwhile, a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund arrived in London on Tuesday ahead of meeting senior figures at Chelsea over moves for several players. Sources have told ESPN that Al Nassr chief executive Ahmed Al Ghamdi is also part of the travelling party, arriving with the aim of completing a deal for winger Hakim Ziyech.
The 30-year-old has agreed to personal terms, but a fee has yet to be agreed on between the clubs. The PIF delegation is also negotiating deals for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who could join Al Ahli, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who has drawn interest from Al Hilal. Midfielder N’Golo Kante is expected to sign for Al Ittihad when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of the month.
Chelsea is feeling the pressure to reduce their asking price for Kai Havertz, who has no intention of signing a new contract with the club. Arsenal is interested in pursuing a move for Havertz but has been hesitant to meet their London rivals’ £70 million valuation for the 24-year-old. Havertz’s versatility is a big attraction for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who has played a personal role in negotiations. Chelsea is currently under a degree of pressure to raise funds before June 30, as they seek to mitigate losses resulting from spending around £600m on players only to miss out on qualifying for any European qualification next season.
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