Mikel Arteta believes Kai Havertz could play in five different positions as he looks to land the versatile Chelsea star.
Arsenal are looking to bolster their ranks after an impressive season and the German playmaker has been identified as a target this summer. Havertz moved to Stamford Bridge with huge expectation, but has only delivered in patches ahead of a summer rebuild.
Mauricio Pochettino is in the midst of assessing his options but Havertz has made it known he won't sign a new deal with Arsenal already having an offer rejected. Arteta knows he needs to add strength and depth to his squad with the 24-year-old an attractive prospect.
ESPN reports that Arteta believes he could use Havertz as a No 8, a No 10, a central striker or on either wing. That would give the Arsenal boss notable options, especially as he often stuck to the same attacking quartet of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli when they were all fit.
Adding Havertz would give him a player capable of going straight into the starting XI. Arsenal though are surprised at Chelsea's asking price, which currently stands at £70m, given they signed him for £71m three years ago and he's by no means set the Premier League alight in that time.
The German did score the winner in the Champions League final two years ago, but has been unable to establish himself as the club's main man. Arsenal do not see his £220,000-a-week wages as an issue should they agree a fee with their London rivals.
The Gunners could yet face competition in the transfer market with Bayern Munich also keen on the former Bayer Leverkusen man, whose contract runs until 2025, but beyond that point the Blues risk losing out on him for nothing if they do not cash in soon.
Arsenal are set to lose several members of their first-team with Granit Xhaka set to leave the Emirates and his midfield partner, Thomas Partey, potentially following him out of north London. That would leave Arteta seeking reinforcements in the middle of the park with Declan Rice among those on his radar.
The hierarchy is north London have been particularly effective and efficient in the transfer market over recent summers, sticking to a clear philosophy that has reaped rewards. Now though they are battling with rival clubs for player signatures and also need to bring in Champions League experience with few members of the squad competing in the competition until now.
