Arsenal are interested in signing Chelsea star Kai Havertz in the summer transfer window, 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.
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. Havertz was the Blues' top scorer last season - scoring nine goals - but struggled for consistency throughout the 2022/23 campaign.
Havertz is viewed as a player who could help Arsenal close the gap to Manchester City, but his price tag could be an issue. Chelsea are hoping to recoup the same fee as they paid for Havertz three years ago if they allow him to leave Stamford Bridge.
The arrival of Christopher Nkunku and possibly a new striker this summer could see Havertz fall down the pecking order under Mauricio Pochettino. Reports have stated that Havertz is open to completing a switch to north London - the same route Jorginho took in the January transfer window.
Arsenal are hoping to negotiate a lower fee than the £70million asking price set by Chelsea. Should Havertz sign for the Gunners, he will have no problems in choosing his preferred No.29 shirt with it currently vacant in Arteta's squad.
Mateo Guendouzi was the last man to wear the No.29 but he left Arsenal at the start of last season after completing a permanent transfer to Marseille. Havertz has worn the same shirt number throughout his senior career at club level.
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For Germany, the 24-year-old has worn the No.7, No.10, No.18, No.20, No.21 and No.23. He did wear the No.17 jersey at Bayer Leverkusen in the youth set-up, but is likely to continue on with the No.29 throughout his club career.
Bukayo Saka currently wears the No.7 for Arsenal, whilst Martin Odegaard dons the No.10 shirt. The No.17 could become available with Cedric Soares expected to leave the club.
Takehiro Tomiyasu currently wears the No.18 but the No.20 may become available with Nuno Tavares' future uncertain ahead of next season. Fabio Vieira occupies the No.21 jersey whilst Albert Sambi Lokonga has the No.23 - another player that could leave the club.
There are plenty of options for Havertz but his favoured No.29 is free to take if he completes a move to the Emirates Stadium. It is now up to Arsenal and if they can agree a fee with Chelsea this summer.
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