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Kai Havertz is likely to wear the Chelsea shirt soon as reports from Germany indicated that the young playmaker did not show up on Bayer Leverkusen's weekend training test. (Photo: Pool via Reuters/Dean Mouhtaropoulos)

Arsenal Football Club has achieved a significant coup by securing the transfer of Germany's Kai Havertz from Chelsea FC, outmaneuvering the likes of Bayern Munich who showed keen interest in the player.

Florian Plettenberg, a Sky Sports Germany journalist, affirmed the completion of the transfer deal via Twitter. He disclosed that the German forward has committed to Arsenal through 2028, signing a five-year contract with an expected fee of around £70m, including performance-based bonuses.

 

Arsenal's management has been in negotiations with Chelsea concerning Havertz's transfer for several weeks. The progression of talks to final agreement reportedly happened at a swift pace, with the German player being seen as an asset that could fetch Chelsea a hefty sum in the bid to balance their accounts.

Arsenal's head coach, Mikel Arteta, is understood to have played a critical role in this negotiation, identifying Havertz as a potential successor for Granit Xhaka in the left midfield. Arsenal sees Havertz as an ideal addition to their squad, in line with the type of player they aspire to attract.

The signing of Havertz is deemed as a significant move by Arsenal, demonstrating their capacity to secure talents from competing clubs. Havertz, versatile with multiple positions in his portfolio, is known for his top-tier performance that aided Chelsea in their Champions League triumph. If this winning form is replicated at Arsenal, it will be considered a monumental signing by the club.

Rumors circulated previously about Bayern Munich's interest in Havertz, but the allure of Arsenal ultimately proved more persuasive than a return to his native Germany. The specifics of how Arteta plans to utilize Havertz on the field remain unclear, with some speculating about a hybrid No. 8/No. 10 role, though details are likely to emerge once Havertz takes the field in an Arsenal jersey.

Some observers have expressed surprise at the risk Arsenal is taking on Havertz, who despite his potential, has yet to fully acclimate to English football. However, the signing represents a clear statement of intent from the North London club.

With the Havertz acquisition confirmed, Arsenal is expected to pivot their focus towards further recruitment, with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber reportedly in their sights before the squad jets off to the USA in a few weeks.

Ultimately, Arsenal's successful transfer of Havertz signifies a decisive move in this summer's transfer market, showcasing the club's ambition and ability to attract world-class talent.