Chelsea Close to Agreement With Kai Havertz but No Deal Yet

Kai Havertz scores from the spot for Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League last-16 first leg at Rangers in March. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
Kai Havertz scores from the spot for Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League last-16 first leg at Rangers in March. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
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Chelsea Close to Agreement With Kai Havertz but No Deal Yet

Kai Havertz scores from the spot for Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League last-16 first leg at Rangers in March. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
Kai Havertz scores from the spot for Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League last-16 first leg at Rangers in March. Photograph: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Kai Havertz after discussing personal terms with the midfielder on a five‑year contract, although the club still have to reach an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over a fee for the Germany international.

Frank Lampard is leading a revamp of his attack for next season, having already secured the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, and there is growing confidence that Havertz will become the latest player to seal a move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Leverkusen star has indicated he is willing to join Chelsea, though the deal is not done yet.

It is believed Leverkusen are holding out for as much as €90m for Havertz, with Chelsea hopeful of striking a deal worth €80m plus add‑ons. While Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 21-year-old, Lampard’s side are at the head of the queue.

Several of Chelsea’s rivals have indicated they cannot afford him at the moment and Havertz does not want to wait until next summer for a move following Leverkusen’s failure to qualify for the Champions League via the domestic route, even if they do so by winning the Europa League.

Much could still depend on whether Chelsea, who are third in the Premier League with two games left, secure Champions League qualification this week; they visit Liverpool on Wednesday and host Wolves on Sunday. However, they remain aware of the need for speed in talks with Leverkusen. They do not want to be caught out by a rival club coming in for Havertz, who has two years left on his current deal.

Chelsea, who will face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on 1 August, are also chasing reinforcements in defensive positions. They want a new left-back but could be priced out of a move for Leicester’s Ben Chilwell, who could cost at least £60m. Ajax’s Nicolás Tagliafico, available for £22.4m, could represent better value for money.

Lampard is also considering a move for a new goalkeeper as he has reservations over the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga. Chelsea have contacted Atlético Madrid about the availability of Jan Oblak, though it is likely that they would have to meet the Slovenian’s €120m release clause.

Moving Arrizabalaga on would also be complicated as the Spaniard joined Chelsea for £71.6m two years ago. While Valencia and Sevilla have considered trying to sign Arrizabalaga on loan, it is doubtful whether they would be able to afford his wages.

The Guardian Sport



Arsenal Must Be Ruthless to Earn Statement Win at Sporting, Says Arteta

Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, Portugal, 25 November 2024. Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 26 November. (EPA)
Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, Portugal, 25 November 2024. Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 26 November. (EPA)
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Arsenal Must Be Ruthless to Earn Statement Win at Sporting, Says Arteta

Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, Portugal, 25 November 2024. Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 26 November. (EPA)
Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, Portugal, 25 November 2024. Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 26 November. (EPA)

Arsenal need to be ruthless to secure a win against Sporting and snap their negative run of form away from home in the Champions League, manager Mikel Arteta said ahead of Tuesday's clash.

Winless in their last four European outings, Arsenal arrive in Portugal following a 1-0 defeat against Inter Milan at San Siro earlier this month.

Arteta's side currently sit 12th in the new Champions League 36-team format, where the top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16 and the next 16 enter a two-legged playoff to join them.

The Spaniard acknowledged that improving their away form is key to his team's chances in Europe's top-tier club competition.

"It's certainly something we have to improve. We have the right steps, and looking back at the way we played against Inter, we dominated the game and should have won," Arteta told a news conference on Monday.

"But the reality is you have to make it happen, and we didn't. Those steps are what we need to take next - be ruthless and much more efficient in the opposition box.

"We wanted to be higher (in the standings), but it's the position we are in right now.

"We have to play in a way that's going to give us a chance to win the game and fight to do it as quickly as possible. Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to do that."

Sporting, who thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in their last outing, are enjoying an outstanding campaign, remaining unbeaten in second place with 10 points.

Arteta acknowledged the Portuguese champions pose a major challenge for Arsenal but also offer an opportunity for a morale-boosting triumph.

"The run they are on is incredible, which tells you it's not only about their qualities but their ambition and the team energy they have. That's the great challenge we have," he said.

"To come here tomorrow, make a statement, and show that we are capable against this kind of opponent by being ourselves and winning the game."