An opening bid made by Arsenal for German football star, Kai Havertz, has been rejected by their London rival, Chelsea.
Chelsea turned down the offer after also rejecting a £40 million offer for Mason Mount from Manchester United.
Kai Havertz emerged as a surprise target for Premier League runners-up Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options this summer.
Arteta wants to strengthen his squad at the Emirates Stadium as he eyes another title challenge and prepares for Arsenal’s return to the Champions League.
Arsenal has made signing a new midfielder their priority during this window and remain optimistic about landing West Ham captain Declan Rice despite seeing an opening offer rejected by the Hammers.
It is understood that Chelsea is willing to sell Havertz to Arsenal for the right price, as the German has two years remaining on his contract and has not indicated a desire to sign an extension.
Havertz earns around £250,000 a week at Chelsea and Arsenal are believed to be willing to match that salary to take the Germany international to the Emirates.
With personal terms likely to be a formality, it now remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal can find an agreement with Chelsea for Havertz, as they also negotiate with West Ham United over Declan Rice.
The Gunners are hoping that Havertz’s refusal to extend his stay at Chelsea beyond 2025 will bring the fee down.
Havertz’s versatility is appealing to Arsenal boss, Arteta who can choose to play him up top, behind the striker, or as a roaming box-to-box midfielder.
Arsenal have had an opening bid turned down for Kai Havertz, as @NathGissing first reported. #AFC will return and Havertz is very open to the move. Arsenal optimistic Chelsea won’t hold out for £75m. Talks quite positive despite the rejection.🔵 pic.twitter.com/086YlMGcgo
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 16, 2023
The 2021 Champions League winner joined Chelsea as an attacking midfielder but has often been tasked with leading the line at Stamford Bridge.
In his three seasons at Chelsea, Havertz has scored 32 goals in 139 games, including the winner in the Champions League final success over Manchester City two years ago.