Arsenal ‘are very confident of signing Declan Rice AND Kai Havertz this summer’ despite having bids rejected for the West Ham and Chelsea stars… as Mikel Arteta looks to mount another title challenge
Arsenal are reportedly very confident of signing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz – despite being rebuffed with offers to sign both players.
The Gunners finished runners-up in the Premier League last term and are desperate to improve their squad ahead of another title push and their first Champions League campaign in eight years.
As a result, Mikel Arteta’s men have been one of the most proactive sides in the market and are getting closer to deals for the West Ham skipper Rice and wantaway Chelsea forward Havertz, according to Sky Germany.
Rice, who led the Hammers to the Europa Conference League this month, has been linked to moves to Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, but a move to the Emirates is looking increasingly likely.
Arsenal are reportedly very confident about signing Declan Rice (L) and Kai Havertz (R)
Mikel Arteta’s side ran out of steam at the end of last season and finished five points off the top
The talented youngster played 37 times in the league for West Ham last season, scoring four goals and would be an improvement on ex-captain Granit Xhaka, who is expected to make a move to Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
Chelsea forward Havertz would also be an upgrade in quality, despite a inconsistent three-year spell at Stamford Bridge. The German international has made 139 appearances for the Blues since his £72m signing in 2020.
His winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City was undoubtedly his greatest moment with the club, but form and fit have been a recurring concern throughout his Chelsea career.
Arsenal emerged as an unlikely destination for the star last week, though, unlike with Rice, the Gunners face some competition for his signature with German champions Bayern Munich keen to reunite him and former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena.
Havertz’s fee could rise to £70m, a sum that when added to Rice’s expected cost would put Arsenal’s spending way ahead of recent summers. It would be the clearest indication yet that the club is ready to mount a serious push for major honours.
