Author: Amrit Santlani
Arsenal are trying to sign Kai Havertz from London rivals Chelsea, although the Gunners face strong competition from Bayern Munich for the German striker. Havertz, however, reportedly prefers a move to Arsenal, which could give Mikel Arteta’s team a big boost.
The 24-year-old, who has two years remaining on his current contract with Chelsea, was also on Real Madrid’s radar, but since Kylian Mbappe informed Paris Saint-Germain of his intentions not to extend his contract beyond 2024, Madrid have turned their attention to the Frenchman.
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With Chelsea owner Todd Boehly’s overspending in the last two windows, Chelsea have a bloated first team and are willing to cut some players who are no longer of interest. Havertz is a long way from agreeing a new deal with the club and the owners don’t want to allow players to enter the final year of their contract and risk losing them on a free transfer.
Arsenal are also trying to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, which means this could be a busy transfer window at the Emirates. Arsenal have also been linked with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, a player who is on Chelsea’s radar, having already approached the Ecuadorian.
Previously, he was “very close” to signing for Arsenal in January, but now, while the north London club are busy with Rice, Chelsea have allegedly stolen Caicedo’s limelight.
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It would be a transfer merry-go-round if Arteta’s team managed to sign Rice, which would allow Granit Xhaka to move to Bayer Leverkusen. The Swiss midfielder has already agreed terms, but his sale will only be authorized once Arsenal have found a replacement.
Arsenal are due to travel to Germany on July 9 to start their pre-season and, before then, they want to close some transfer deals, including finding a new club for Folarin Balogun, who impressed during his loan spell at Reims, scoring 21 goals.
The US international has many admirers at clubs in the lower half of the Premier League, but Arsenal will only allow him to leave if a suitable offer arrives.