Mikel Arteta has played a vital role in convincing Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz to sign for Arsenal this summer, according to reports.
The Gunners have already had an offer for the German star rejected by Chelsea last week but Arsenal are expected to submit a second offer imminently.
Havertz has also attracted interest from Bayern, although it’s understood that the Bundesliga giants have not submitted an offer and have been made aware of how advanced Arsenal’s negotiations are for the player.
According to ESPN, Havertz has already made it clear to Chelsea that he will not renew his contract, which expires in 2025, and is now ‘open’ to joining Arsenal.
The report claims Arteta has played a key role in negotiations, with Havertz told that he can play in several positions for Arsenal, including as a No.8, a No.10, the two wide positions in attack & in a central striker role.
It’s believed that Havertz’s versatility is seen as a ‘big attraction’ for Arteta, who guided the club to a second-placed finish in the Premier League last campaign.
Chelsea, however, are demanding a £70m transfer fee for Havertz – a price which the North Londoners are currently unwilling to match.
The Germany international was initially signed in a £75.8 million (€85m) deal from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020.
Arsenal, who are also keen to sign West Ham skipper Declan Rice, are keen for Chelsea to reduce their valuation, and they could be under pressure to do so before the end of the month in order to balance their finances having spent more than £600m on new signings over the past year.
Arsenal also see no obstacles in their negotiations with Havertz as they have no issue meeting his £220,000-per-week salary which he currently earns at Chelsea.
