Report: Arsenal agree to sign Chelsea's Havertz for initial £62.5M

Posted Thursday, June 22, 2023 by thescore.com

The exodus from Chelsea looks set to continue with Kai Havertz expected to move across town and join London rivals Arsenal.

Arsenal are on the cusp of acquiring the 24-year-old forward after striking a deal worth a total of £67.5 million to make him their first summer signing, sources told ESPN's James Olley.

The Gunners will reportedly pay an initial fee of £62.5 million plus a further £5 million in performance-related add-ons.

Arsenal view the Germany international as ideally playing in a No. 10 or No. 8 role but would consider having the versatile Havertz operate in one of three attacking positions, Olley adds.

Havertz, whose contract expires in 2025, has reportedly already notified Chelsea of his desire to leave this summer. He scored 32 goals in 139 games in all competitions, including the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

After the transfer is finalized, Havertz will join a growing list of players who've departed Chelsea as part of the club's overhaul under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

N'Golo Kante confirmed his move to Saudi Arabia club Al-Ittihad, while Mateo Kovacic is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester City.