Sources have told ESPN that Chelsea are feeling the pressure to reduce their asking price for Kai Havertz, as the player has informed the club that he has no intention of signing a new contract. Arsenal has expressed interest in Havertz but is not willing to meet Chelsea’s current valuation of £70 million for the 24-year-old. Despite having one offer rejected, Arsenal is expected to return with an improved bid. It is unclear whether Bayern Munich, who had previously expressed interest in Havertz, will enter the running.
Havertz’s Versatility and Performance
During conversations with Arsenal, the club indicated that Havertz’s versatility is attractive, as he can play as a No. 10 or No. 8, and is capable of playing in any of three attacking positions in an interchangeable forward line at the top of a 4-3-3 system. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has played a personal role in the negotiations and sees Havertz as a valuable addition to the team.
Sources have expressed surprise at Chelsea’s asking price given that they signed Havertz for £71 million in September 2020. Chelsea will hope that Bayern Munich tables a bid for Havertz to help drive up the price. However, regardless of whether Bayern enters the running or not, Havertz has informed Chelsea that he has no desire to extend his contract, which expires in 2025.
Havertz scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final, but his performances have been inconsistent. He has scored 32 goals in 139 games in all competitions for Chelsea, and this has led to some question over the asking price. Chelsea is also under pressure to raise funds before June 30, as they seek to mitigate losses resulting from spending around £600 million on players but failing to qualify for any European competition next season.
Chelsea’s valuation of Havertz is the same as the price they are demanding for Mason Mount, who is attracting interest from Manchester United. However, Chelsea rejected a bid of £40 million from United last week.
Meanwhile, a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has arrived in London to meet with senior figures at Chelsea over moves for several players. Al Nassr chief executive Ahmed Al Ghamdi is also part of the delegation, arriving with the aim of completing a deal for winger Hakim Ziyech. The 30-year-old has agreed to personal terms, but a fee has yet to be agreed upon between the clubs. The PIF delegation is also negotiating deals for goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who could join Al Ahli, and defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who has drawn interest from Al Hilal.
Midfielder N’Golo Kante is expected to sign for Al Ittihad when his Chelsea contract expires at the end of the month.
In summary, Chelsea is under pressure to reduce their asking price for Havertz as Arsenal shows interest. While the player’s versatility is attractive to Arsenal, his inconsistent performances have led to questions over the asking price. Meanwhile, a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has arrived in London to negotiate deals for several players, including Hakim Ziyech.
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