Arsenal are planning to complete a major midfield rebuild in just one transfer window. Granit Xhaka kicked off plans by agreeing a £13million move to Bayer Leverkusen in May, but that departure will only be confirmed once a new addition has been agreed.
That confirmation could come soon as football.london understands that Kai Havertz will be joining the Gunners from Chelsea in a deal worth £60million with an additional £5million in add-ons. The Germany international featured at the tip of the Blues attack for the majority of the 2022/23 season, but Mikel Arteta has already confirmed to the player his intention to deploy him in an advanced midfield role, according to Sport BILD.
The Gunners are hopeful he will be joined in that department by West Ham's Declan Rice with a third bid being prepared in north London. Manchester City saw their first offer, worth £80million up front and a further £10million in add-ons, turned down, but they, like Arsenal, are expected to return with an improved offer.
