Arsenal's Havertz transfer takes twist as Balogun decision made

Stuart Telford

• 18 Jun 2023 02:37 CDT
• 3 min read

Arsenal are ahead of Bayern Munich in the race to sign Chelsea's Kai Havertz, while the Gunners could raise funds by selling Folarin Balogun to one of Bayern's Bundesliga rivals.

Chelsea are open to offers for Havertz, a player once regarded as one of the brightest young attacking midfielders in the game but one who only managed seven Premier League goals as a striker last season.

Arsenal are willing to take a gamble on the German's talent, and had an opening bid of £55 million rejected by their London rivals, but negotiations are ongoing.

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Whilst Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign Havertz, Bayern remain in it, although they have yet to lodge a bid according to Sky Sports Germany.

Bayern transfer meeting scheduled

"Been told Arsenal are very confident of signing both [Declan] Rice and Havertz," Sky's Florian Plettenberg tweeted. "…there is not Bayern offer for Havertz yet. Arsenal are planning next steps. Bayern's next transfer meeting scheduled next week."

Bayern's interest could of course drive Havertz' asking price beyond the £70 million (€82m) Chelsea reportedly want. Arsenal want to keep his price to a minimum but it is understood they will have a significant transfer budget this summer, one which could be swollen with Balogun's sale.

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The former England under-21 striker, who now represents the USA, scored 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 games on loan at Reims last season, is wanted by Bayern's Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig - especially if they fail to persuade Lens to part ways with Lois Openda.

Balogun is valued at €22.4m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, and Arsenal reportedly want to include a buyback clause in any deal for their academy graduate.

They could try and offer Balogun to Bayern in an attempt to have a clear run at Havertz, but the German champions are likely to push for a more experienced striker if they fail to sign the Chelsea man, having struggled to replace Robert Lewandowski last season.