Chelsea
forward Kai Havertz will have a medical this weekend ahead of completing his
move to Arsenal, while talks continue over Declan Rice.
Havertz's medical is likely to take place overseas due to the player's
schedule and, all being well, a formal announcement of his £65m move could
come next week.
Chelsea are understood to be satisfied with the deal as Havertz has made it
clear he wants to leave Stamford Bridge.
It spells the end of a three-year stint at Chelsea for Havertz, who secured
his place in the club's history by scoring the goal that won them a second
Champions League crown in 2021.
Chelsea signed Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for £75m but were
looking to recoup a substantial portion of what they paid after an
indifferent campaign.
The proposed transfer to Arsenal generates much-needed funds for the Blues
while strengthening and adding versatility to Mikel Arteta's attacking
options as the Gunners attempt to build on last season's second-place finish
in the Premier League.
Arsenal also remain in talks with West Ham over the signing of Rice. There
is an expectation they will make a third offer after having a club-record
bid worth £90m rejected.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are set to enter the race to sign the West Ham
captain. Sky in Italy are reporting City are prepared to pay £75m + £15m in
bonuses payable across two years for Rice.
Thomas Partey could also be on the move, with Juventus interested, although
there has been no formal bid yet.
Arsenal want a degree of certainty about arrivals before sanctioning any
departures.
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