Arsenal could enact some revenge on Chelsea five-and-a-half years after they sold Olivier Giroud to their London rivals. The Gunners are reportedly interested in signing Blues forward Kai Havertz to bolster their frontline.
Havertz was Chelsea’s joint-leading goalscorer this season. However, that accolade is belittled somewhat by the fact he and Raheem Sterling only scored nine goals apiece.
The German was a mega signing for Chelsea in September 2020, joining for a fee of just under £76million. He scored the winning goal to clinch the Blues’ second Champions League triumph in his first season at the club.
But there is an overall feeling that he hasn’t quite lived up to his billing so far. Havertz has often been used as the main striker option for Chelsea, a position new boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to strengthen this summer.
Havertz has been linked with a move to Real Madrid following the departure of Karim Benzema. But Chelsea’s asking price of around £70m has put Los Blancos off a deal.
Arsenal are believed to be keeping an eye on the 24-year-old’s situation, and The Athletic claim that the club’s first proposal has now been submitted. However, it is currently the same issue as with Madrid.
Arsenal would be interested if Chelsea significantly reduce the fee they are demanding. Real are claimed to not be prepared to pay any more than £50m.
If Arsenal do get their wish and pay a lower fee for Havertz, Arteta would have himself a versatile player. He can play in attacking midfield but would most likely be used in a position in Arteta’s front three.
Captain Martin Odegaard occupies the role as the most-advanced midfielder in the Arsenal team and it would be difficult to see both him and Havertz in the same midfield. But he would give an alternative option to Gabriel Jesus up top, giving Arsenal extra height in both boxes.
Havertz is a different type of forward to Giroud, despite having a similar stature. But there could be some revenge if he comes good at the Emirates.
Giroud was a cult hero at Arsenal, scoring 105 goals in 253 appearances for the club. He was allowed to move to Chelsea in January 2018 to facilitate the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
But 18 months later, Giroud broke Arsenal fans’ hearts. He scored the first goal for Chelsea in the Europa League final between the two sides.
Chelsea went on to win the match 4-1 on a demoralising night for Unai Emery’s side. Arsenal fans didn’t look too fondly upon a player they once idolised from the stands succeeding at a London rival, especially against them in a European final.
Chelsea fans, understandably, loved knowing that Arsenal supporters were upset by the striker, especially after he described himself as a “true blue” after the final. But if Havertz were to join Arsenal, it will cut deep at Chelsea if he fulfils the potential they saw in him three years ago at the Emirates.
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