Arsenal's approach for Chelsea star Kai Havertz appears to be gathering some pace as the north London outfit make moves towards landing the 24-year-old this summer. The Germany international has just two years left on his deal with the Blues and like some of his peers, faces an ultimatum of signing a new one or potentially leaving.
Havertz has struggled to hit the heights that his big move from Bayer Leverkusen created the potential for, often floating between positions and failing to regularly convert chances in front of goal. With that underperformance in mind, the dwindling contract and Chelsea's need to sell, it could open up the opportunity for the Gunners to secure a bargain.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add quality and depth to his squad for the summer window after mounting a title push last season and returning to the Champions League for this campaign. football.london understands that Declan Rice is the top priority this summer, having had an opening bid worth a total of £80million turned down, with a follow-up offer expected in the coming days.
A move for Havertz has accelerated in the background though as football.london understands that there is genuine interest in the Germany international, but Chelsea's £70million valuation is above that of the Gunners, who are looking at closer to £50million. The player himself seems open to a move, but won't actively push for an exit.
Amid such interest the Telegraph reports that Arsenal have made their first move by making an opening bid, one that has been rejected by their London rivals. It is also claimed that Havertz's personal terms will be no issue for the Gunners to match, though it remains to be seen if a second offer will be made.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Kai Havertz bid rejected, Gundogan hint, Romeo Lavia talks
They won't be the only side interested though as the Daily Mail claims that former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is eyeing a reunion with the forward at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions are looking for a new striker option, with the ex-Blues manager looking to raid his old team.
For Arsenal, it adds another dimension to this battle, though their shift in transfer strategy has often seen them not engage in any bidding war. While for Chelsea, the extra interest is exactly what they will want if they are to move Havertz on, creating that sense of a battle for his signature and raising the valuation.
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