Arsenal are close to an agreement with London rivals Chelsea that would see German forward Kai Havertz join Mikel Arteta’s side for a fee in the region of £65 million

Arsenal are close to an agreement to sign Kai Havertz from London rivals Chelsea, according to the Athletic.

It is claimed that a deal would cost the Gunners around £65million as they look to finalise the structure of the transfer, including possible instalments and add-ons. Personal terms with the German international are said to have already been agreed upon.

The former Bayer Leverkusen starlet, who joined the Blues back in the summer of 2020, will then undergo a medical at Mikel Arteta’s side provided everything else goes to plan. During the majority his time at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old has struggled for consistency in his performances.

Of course, he netted the winner in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City but his career seemed to have stalled since. Arsenal boss Arteta will hope that if a deal goes through, he can revitalise Havertz, who has been compared to former Gunners forward Robin van Persie by none other than Thierry Henry.

“He reminds me sometimes, a little, of Robin back to goal the way he can hold the ball,” Henry previously told CBS Sports. “Robin van Persie was very good with his left foot, the touch was always immaculate and he tried to bring people along.