Arsenal 'closing in on deal for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz'

Having ended the 2022-23 campaign with just nine goals from 47 appearances in all competitions, it appeared likely that Havertz would enter a fourth season at Stamford Bridge.

Even with two years left on his contract, realistic bids for his signature were expected to be in short supply, yet a surprise enquiry from Real Madrid set off a series of events which appear to have left it likely that he will move across London.

The La Liga giants quickly decided that they were unwilling to pay over £50m, including add-ons, and it was alleged that Arsenal were ready to take a similar stance.

However, according to Sky Sport Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Gunners are pushing hard to reach a compromise with their rivals.

On Twitter, Plettenburg claims that Mikel Arteta would 'love' to have the Germany international in his squad as competition for Gabriel Jesus down the centre of his attack.

While an agreement over a fee is said to be not as far down the line as it is with personal terms, Arsenal are allegedly prepared to agree to a package worth €80m (£68.42m).

Chelsea are seemingly yet to formally agree to that package, the likelihood being that it includes a number of add-ons, yet it is suggested that it will be accepted in due course.

Bayern Munich have reportedly opted against trying to convince Havertz to perform a U-turn on the basis that a transfer to the Emirates Stadium is 'too advanced'.

Should a deal be completed, Arsenal would be making a major statement of intent ahead of attempting to complete another high-profile addition in the form of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

From Chelsea's perspective, though, receiving such a fee for the 24-year-old would go some way to boosting their coffers at a time when they are require to sell a wide array of players to meet FFP regulations.

Furthermore, Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly keen to sign Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson for €35m (£29.94m), a deal that Chelsea hope will provide value for money in light of the profit that can be made by selling Havertz.

Other exits are in the pipeline with Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante and Hakim Ziyech all potentially moving to Saudi Arabian clubs and Mateo Kovacic said to be edging closer to joining Manchester City.