Arsenal stance on Kai Havertz transfer revealed as Chelsea look for £70m deal

The Gunners hold an interest in the German international but are unlikely to meet the Blues' current asking price

Arsenal hold an interest in Chelsea's Kai Havertz, football.london understands.

The Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad considerably this summer as Mikel Arteta seeks to form a squad capable of competing in both the Premier League and Champions League. Havertz is viewed as a player who could help with this, but his price tag could be an issue.

Chelsea are understood to want around £70million for the German international who has two years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge. Havertz is open to the idea of leaving and has shown no inclination towards signing a new deal with the Blues, but he will not push for a move this summer as things stand.

The 24-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for a fee of around £70million and played a key role in helping Chelsea to win the Champions League in his debut season. Despite that though, the German has struggled to find consistent form in his three years with the Blues, managing over double figures in terms of goals just once.

It is unclear what position Arsenal would view Havertz in as things stand. The German has played as a false nine for Chelsea, but has also operated as a number 10 or eight, and even played as a right winger in the past. The Gunners are interested in bringing in a versatile forward who can play across the front line this summer, so the 24-year-old could fit the bill.

Elsewhere Arsenal are closing in a move for Declan Rice that could be worth up to £100million. The Gunners have been pursuing the England international since January and are expected to make a formal approach soon.

Edu is also interest in a deal for Brighton's Moises Caicedo, while the Brazilian is keen to add a full back to the ranks. Joao Cancelo, Ivan Fresneda and Timothy Castagne are among the names to have been linked.