Havertz 'becomes Arsenal's highest paid player' following his £65m move

Kai Havertz has reportedly become Arsenal's highest paid player following his move from Chelsea.

The Germany international joined the Gunners this week in a £65million switch.

According to Bild, Havertz, who has signed a contract worth £17million-a-year, has immediately become Arsenal's top earner.

Havertz will receive £331,000-a-week, with the deal including further incentives.

Bukayo Saka signed a new contract in May that will see him earn £300,000-a-week.

Midfielder Thomas Partey, who has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer, is reportedly on wages of £198,000-a-week.

Real Madrid reportedly made a late attempt to sign Havertz before he made the switch to Arsenal.

The 24-year-old becomes Arsenal's first signing of the summer as Mikel Arteta's side look to build upon last season's second-placed finish in the Premier League.

Havertz started his career at Bayer Leverkusen before joining Chelsea, for whom he made 139 appearances and scored 32 goals.

In 2021 Havertz scored the winner for Chelsea against Manchester City in the Champions League final, but he also endured some difficult moments at the club.

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham for £105million and have also verbally agreed a fee rising to £40.5million for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

Emile Smith Rowe says he is relishing the extra competition Havertz's arrival will provide at Arsenal.

'I see what happens and obviously it's good for the club to add strength to the team,' he told the Sun.

'I feel like the additions we're making are going to really help the team progress again.

'It's really exciting so hopefully we can go one step further next season,' he added.

'Of course (it is extra competition with Havertz's arrival), but this is football.

'You've just got to get on with it. I've got to keep working hard and it's healthy competition. I've got to keep fighting,' he said.