Arsenal are exploring a shock move for Chelsea striker Kai Havertz – but the Gunners are stalling over the £70 million asking price.
The German has been a qualified success at Stamford Bridge, scoring the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.
But the Gunners, looking for more firepower to sustain their return to Champions League orbit next season, are working on a possible deal for 24-year-old Havertz.
And although their valuation falls short of the £71m Chelsea paid Bayer Leverkusen three years ago, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta feels there is a deal to be done.
Chelsea need to balance the books after a £600 million trolley dash under Todd Boehly's ownership and give new boss Mauricio Pochettino scope to rebuild the squad in his own image.
They are prepared to sell Mason Mount to Manchester United, Mateo Kovavic to Treble-winners Manchester City and Inter Milan are interested in centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
Now they could be prepared to cash in on Havertz, who has scored 32 goals in 139 appearances in all competitions for the Blues – if they get their money back.
Arsenal are closing in on a £100 million deal for England midfielder Declan Rice, and they are also among the front runners for Brighton's Moises Caicedo.
Havertz would strengthen Arteta's hand at the top end of the pitch, but Chelsea may not be prepared to sell him to possible top-four rivals.
Gunners legend Thierry Henry is clearly a big fan of Havertz, and speaking to CBS Sports after Chelsea beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last season he compared him to a former Arsenal teammate.
"I thought he was good on the first goal you could see held the ball ever so well," Henry said after Chelsea's 2-0 win.
"He reminds me sometimes, a little, of Robin back to goal the way he can hold the ball. Robin van Persie was very good with his left foot, the touch was always immaculate he tried to bring people along.
"This is why out of the guys that used to be wingers or No.10 he plays as a nine because with his his back to goal he can hold the ball well. Now he needs to make sure he can transform that into more goals because you can play off him."
