Mikel Arteta has spoken of his admiration for Chelsea’s Kai Havertz as Arsenal close in on a £65million deal for the forward.
The Gunners have the transfer fee agreed with the Blues for Havertz, who is expected to complete a medical in the coming days before signing a long-term deal. The Germany international, 24, will challenge Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal's centre-forward spot.
Arteta has now spoken about the need to pay a premium in transfer fees for the players whom they wish to sign, while directly naming Havertz. He praised not only his ability but his experienced mixed with his age – making him the ideal signing for the North London side.
Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, Arteta said on Havertz: "Talent comes at a price, and at Arsenal we are always interested in youngsters with experience.
"I repeat, I'm not talking about players from other clubs, but in the case of Kai he has already shown a lot, including in the Champions League. He is a talented player, versatile and only 24 years old."
Havertz has often been deployed as a central forward in his time with Chelsea, with the role yet to yield the goal tally expected of a top class centre forward. His first 91 Premier League games have brought just 19 goals.
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Havertz has shown finishing ability, with his composed strike in the 2021 Champions League final winning the trophy for Chelsea against Man City. He has also been entrusted with the role for his country, Germany, with the hope being that he can flourish into becoming a prolific goalscorer.
Havertz may feature in a deeper role for Arsenal, but it is unclear how they would line-up with playmaker Martin Odegaard retaining his central attacking role behind the striker with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli thriving in the wide attacking positions.
Alongside their move for Havertz, Arsenal have also lodged a bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber who had been a primary transfer target for Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag – who coached him at the Amsterdam giants.
Arteta’s side are reportedly willing to break their transfer record to pay £90million to West Ham and offer Rice £300,000-a-week. Rice is their number one priority, but the Gunners will face plenty of competition for his services – with Manchester City also tabling a bid.
