Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has hailed the "arrogance" of Kai Havertz as the German closes in on a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners are due to announce Havertz as their first summer signing, for a fee in the region of £65m. The move will continue Chelsea's summer clear-out, with the Blues selling Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City and also offloading the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and N'Golo Kante.
Arrogance isn't always a positive attribute in a footballer, but Keane maintained the former Bayer Leverkusen star has been able to let his football support his swagger. Havertz took time to settle in the Premier League after his move from Bayer Leverkusen, but scored the winner for the Blues in the 2021 Champions League final and hit 14 goals in his second season.
"It looks like he's got a bit of arrogance, and he does back it up,” Keane said during ITV ’s coverage of Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final victory over Crystal Palace in 2022 "But it took him a while to adapt to the English game.
"Again, he's a talented boy, a big presence," Keane added. Chelsea won the game in question, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount on target, but lost the final to Liverpool on penalties.
Havertz is one of two big-name additions being courted by Arsenal as they look to mount another title challenge following last season's second-place finish. Mikel Arteta's side have also seen multiple bids for Declan Rice knocked back as they do battle with reigning champions Man City for the services of the West Ham captain.
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Havertz failed to show the same sort of form last season, scoring just nine club goals in all competitions. He did also find the net for his country on a few occasions, including twice against England in the Nations League and another brace against Costa Rica at the World Cup.
After £500m worth of new signings meant Chelsea finished last season with a bloated squad, owner Todd Boehly has looked to trim the fat before Mauricio Pochettino takes over as manager in July. Several senior stars have already gone, while Havertz could be followed out the door by the likes of Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy.
Christian Pulisic has also been linked with an exit, with US men's national team boss Gregg Berhalter speaking out on the matter. With Chelsea finishing 12th last term, the manager has spoken of the appeal of Champions League football - something which could be on offer via a move to one of Serie A's big hitters.
"Christian plays for Chelsea but Italy and Milan are still very attractive destinations, not least because of the possibility of playing in the Champions League.," Berhalter said. "But no advice, these are personal choices."
