Arsenal ‘absolutely ahead’ for key transfer target – Fabrizio Romano

Robin Bairner

• 17 Jun 2023 11:13 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are “absolutely ahead” in the race for Chelsea striker Kai Havertz, according to Fabrizio Romano, who has played down the interest from the Bundesliga champions in the Germany international attacker.

Havertz has become something of a surprise summer target for the Gunners, who are seeking to reinforce their attacking options after finishing second behind Manchester City in the Premier League table last season.

Initially, they had approached Chelsea over a move for Mason Mount, but after Manchester United moved ahead in that transfer, they switched attention to Havertz.

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Arsenal are building a reputation as a club that struggles to close out deals after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to the Blues in January and, probably, Moises Caicedo to their rivals in this transfer window.

When the news broke, then, that Bayern were reading a move for Havertz, there was a fear that the Gunners could make it an unwanted treble.

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Arsenal ‘absolutely ahead’ in Havertz race

Romano has allayed any fears on his YouTube channel – but while he has played down Bayern’s interest in Havertz, he did not dismiss the possibility that the 24-year-old could return to the Bundesliga this summer.

According to the transfer specialist, Bayern have not made any bid for the player yet but have been speaking to people close to the negotiations.

Romano added that Arsenal are “absolutely ahead”, with personal terms nearly agreed with Havertz, who is also keen to move to Mikel Arteta’s side.

One potential stumbling block could be agreeing a deal with Chelsea. The Gunners have already had one offer knocked back and, therefore, find themselves in a similar situation with Havertz as they do with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, who is the other player they have been making positive progress on in the early days of the transfer window.