Arsenal are reportedly close to securing the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, with an improved bid closer to the Blues’ asking price of £65 million. The Gunners are keen to expand their attacking options, and Havertz’s ability to play in multiple roles appeals to manager Mikel Arteta. Personal terms have already been agreed, and the Germany international is expected to complete a medical soon. Havertz made 47 appearances for Chelsea last season, scoring nine goals as a centre forward.
Chelsea are looking to trim their squad before new manager Mauricio Pochettino officially begins work, with N’Golo Kante set to join Saudi club Al-Ittihad when his contract expires at the end of June. Kante joined Chelsea from Leicester in 2016 and has won the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge. He becomes the first major departure since Pochettino’s confirmation as the club’s new manager, with a reduction in the size of the first-team squad among his priorities.
Kante is the latest high-profile name to move to the Saudi Professional League, following his international teammate Karim Benzema, who has already agreed to join Al-Ittihad after 14 seasons at Real Madrid, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who moved to Al Nassr from Manchester United in December. Wolves captain Ruben Neves has also reportedly agreed to a £47 million move to Al Hilal, with an announcement expected from the club this week.
At 26, Havertz will be the youngest big name to leave a European club for Saudi Arabia. Chelsea outcasts Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Romelu Lukaku, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also been linked with moves to the Gulf state.
Heading 1: Arsenal Close to Signing Kai Havertz from Chelsea
Heading 2: Gunners Keen to Expand Attacking Options
Heading 3: Havertz’s Ability to Play in Multiple Roles Appeals to Arteta
Heading 1: Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante to Join Saudi Club Al-Ittihad
Heading 2: Pochettino Prioritizes Reduction in Squad Size
Heading 3: High-Profile Names Moving to Saudi Professional League
Heading 1: Ruben Neves Reportedly Agrees to £47 Million Move to Al Hilal
Heading 2: Havertz Will Be Youngest Big Name to Leave European Club for Saudi Arabia
Heading 3: Koulibaly, Mendy, Lukaku, and Aubameyang Linked with Moves to Gulf State.