Arsenal finds themselves in an unexpected transfer battle this summer as they pursue Chelsea forward Kai Havertz. With the transfer window now open, Arsenal has a key advantage in their race to sign the talented player.
In recent times, Arsenal had been primarily focused on securing West Ham star Declan Rice. However, their interest in Havertz has come as a surprise to many. While the Gunners’ genuine interest is confirmed, the stumbling block remains the reported £70 million asking price set by Chelsea.
At present, the two clubs are far from reaching an agreement. Ideally, Chelsea would lower their asking price to avoid the risk of losing Havertz on a free transfer in the future.
However, the Blues have shown their unwillingness to soften their stance on out-of-contract players, as demonstrated with Mason Mount.
Adding to the challenge, Arsenal faces competition from Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions have long been linked with the 24-year-old forward, especially since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea’s manager.
Surprisingly, reputable German publication BILD revealed that Bayern is unlikely to pursue Havertz due to their focus on signing a “superstar striker.”
According to reports, Randal Kolo Muani, Victor Osimhen, and Dusan Vlahovic are all higher on Tuchel’s list of preferred forwards than Havertz.
The confusing part is that all three of Bayern’s top targets have other clubs interested in them. Kolo Muani has drawn the attention of Manchester United, while Osimhen could potentially leave Napoli amid uncertainties about his future.
Ironically, Chelsea is reportedly interested in Osimhen, possibly to strengthen their attacking options under Mauricio Pochettino.
Vlahovic is also on Pochettino’s radar, although Chelsea’s recent signing of Christopher Nkunku reduces the urgency to replace Havertz. Nevertheless, a new number nine is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge before the start of the Premier League season in August.
Recent reports from Italy suggest that Chelsea has offered Juventus a choice of players, including Christian Pulisic, Trevoh Chalobah, Romelu Lukaku, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Kalidou Koulibaly, as part of a player-plus-cash deal for Vlahovic.
If Chelsea manages to secure a blockbuster deal for either Vlahovic or Osimhen, and Manchester United secures Kolo Muani, Bayern would be left with only Havertz as their primary target.
Fortunately for Arsenal, Chelsea’s pursuit of the two strikers may face financial obstacles. The Blues have already spent over £600 million in the last two transfer windows, and Financial Fair Play regulations are likely to limit their spending this time.
Given Bayern’s interest elsewhere, this opens up a clear pathway for Arsenal to strengthen their squad by signing Havertz in the coming weeks.
Follow London Insider on Google News