Every transfer story has a bespoke way of coming to the fore, and while Arsenal’s pursuit of Declan Rice has long been one of football’s worst-kept secrets, their interest in Kai Havertz has taken many by surprise.
The Gunners, who led the Premier League for 248 days — a record for a club that did not eventually win the title — have had a first formal bid to sign Rice from West Ham rejected. Meanwhile, they are seeking to strengthen up front, where the only strikers currently at the club are Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
