Arsenal have had their opening bid for Kai Havertz turned down by Chelsea, but talks continue with the player keen on the move.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Chelsea reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Various sources broke the news that Arsenal had submitted their first bid for Kai Havertz this week, with Chelsea turning the offer down.

Di Marzio report that Arsenal submitted their first offer on Friday. Chelsea rejected the bid, holding out for £75m, but parties involved feel they can strike a deal for less.

The Telegraph confirm that Chelsea have turned down an Arsenal offer, but they’re willing to sell for the right price.

The Gunners are willing to match Havertz’s current salary, and he’s not keen to extend with Chelsea. With two years left on his contract, now is probably the right time for Chelsea to cash in.

Fabrizio Romano reports that “it’s not over at all” after Arsenal’s bid was turned down.

Talks will continue, and whilst Bayern Munich are informed and interested in Havertz, they haven’t bid yet, with Arsenal leading the race.

Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 18, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 18, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

In terms of the opening bid, most of the sources reporting on it don’t clarify how much it was worth.

The Times’ Tom Roddy had reported that Arsenal were lodging a £55m+ bid, but that figure hasn’t been corroborated elsewhere, and it’s not clear how much of that was in add-ons.

Fabrizio Romano previously confirmed that “90%” of Havertz’s personal terms have been agreed with Arsenal, and he’s prepared to say yes to a move if Chelsea agree to a sale.

Rumours of Arsenal interest in Havertz came to the fore on Wednesday, as David Ornstein reported that Arsenal had made an opening proposal for the German international.

Ornstein confirmed that Arsenal were stepping up their pursuit following contact with Chelsea and Havertz himself, though the potential transfer was still in the early stages.

Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 18, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 18, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail reports that Chelsea want £70m for Havertz, whilst Arsenal are willing to go to £60m after including add-ons.

The Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella claims Chelsea are prepared to do business, with Arsenal hoping that the financial difficulties of their London rivals will bring the price down.

Chelsea need to sell players before June 30th if they want to include the sales in their books for the current financial year.