Arsenal 'reach agreement in principle for £65m Kai Havertz deal'

Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea for the transfer of Kai Havertz.

The Germany international has been identified as one of Mikel Arteta's leading targets this summer due to his versatility and Champions League experience.

Havertz only has two years left to run on his deal at Stamford Bridge and has shown no willingness to pen an extension, meaning that the Blues will sell him for the right price this summer.

Arsenal are believed to have seen an initial £50m bid rejected by Chelsea, and they subsequently came forward with a new offer worth close to £60m on Tuesday in the hope of striking an agreement.

The Blues have supposedly been holding out for at least £75m, but Arsenal have been confident of driving the price down and have now agreed a fee, according to The Athletic.

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The report states that Arsenal are set to pay approximately £65m to Chelsea for the German's services, and the two clubs are now thrashing out the finer details of the payment structure.

Personal terms are already believed to have been agreed over a long-term contract, and Havertz can apparently expect to pocket close to £210,000 a week in North London.

The Blues will welcome the sale of the 24-year-old as they seek to trim their wage bill ahead of the new season, having reported a loss of £121m in their latest financial accounts.

Havertz burst onto the scene with Bayer Leverkusen before joining Chelsea in 2020 for £68.8m, and he has registered 32 goals and 15 assists in 139 matches for the Blues in all tournaments.

The Germany international scored the winner for the Blues in the 2020-21 Champions League final against Manchester City, and he has also won the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup in West London.

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Despite only racking up nine goals from 47 games in all tournaments last term, Havertz ended the campaign as Chelsea's top scorer in the Premier League with seven top-flight efforts to his name, featuring as a centre-forward, right winger and number 10.

Havertz's versatility could see him deployed in an attacking or midfield role for the Gunners, who are working on strengthening their engine room as a matter of priority this summer.

Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga could all leave the club in the coming weeks, and efforts continue to be made to prise Declan Rice away from West Ham United.

On Tuesday, the Gunners reportedly had a second bid for the 24-year-old worth £90m rejected by West Ham - who will only entertain offers north of £100m - but they remain confident of striking a club-record deal for the England international.

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are also thought to be on Arsenal's wishlist, and progress has supposedly been made in talks with the former's camp.