DEAL CLOSE: Player have just said Yes to Arsenal offer, terms agreed after one on one with the board, Medical team on standby to welcome Arsenal third summer signing today
Arsenal have made an approach to sign a £162,000-per-week forward for manager Mikel Arteta, coming after a U-turn behind-the-scenes.
Arteta tipped to sign new striker at Arsenal despite Havertz form
Kai Havertz resurrected his debut campaign at Arsenal after a slow start to life at the Emirates last term, impressing in a makeshift forward role and ending 2023/2024 with 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
Arsenal could hijack deal for “marvellous” ace attracted to PL
Havertz has been praised for his Arsenal form since the turn of the year, which could be worrying for striker Gabriel Jesus, following the Brazilian’s lacklustre 23/24 campaign blighted by fitness issues and overall lack of form.
Jesus missed 16 games for Arsenal through injury last season, all while Havertz grew into his role under Arteta and earned plaudits. To make matters more concerning for Jesus, there are still reports that Arsenal could look to sign a striker before summer deadline day
Arteta is rumoured to be keen on a striking partner for Havertz, while the Spaniard also reportedly wants an alternative to Jesus going forward. Arsenal did attempt a deal to sign RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko earlier this window, but to no avail, with the Slovenian penning an extension at his current club instead.
As per various reports in the press, alternatives to Sesko since then have ranged from Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres to cheaper options like Ajax forward Brian Brobbey.
Another ambitious target comes in the form of Napoli star Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian widely tipped to leave the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium if interested sides can reach an agreement with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Arsenal have been backed to make an offer for Osimhen, while journalist Ben Jacobs told GiveMeSport earlier this year that the Gunners have a chance.
“We still can’t rule out Arsenal in the race for Osimhen,” said Jacobs in February.
“It’s also true that PSG have Osimhen very, very high on their list of targets and can move in the market because they will free up money due to Kylian Mbappe’s departure. I’m still told by sources that Osimhen’s priority is the Premier League, which is encouraging for Chelsea and Arsenal. He would be looking for about £250,000 per week, which Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG would all be happy to pay.”
