Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoke out for the first time on rumours linking Declan Rice and Kai Havertz with a move to the Emirates, describing the latter as ‘talented’ and ‘versatile’.
Mikel Arteta has addressed the interest of Arsenal in both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz for the first time.
The Gunners are battling it out with Manchester City for Rice’s signature, whilst Havertz’ move to the Emirates looks all but confirmed.
Arsenal have seen two bids rejected for Rice, with the latest being a reported £75million plus £15million in add-ons. West Ham value the player at £100million, and as it stands, City are looking likelier to match this valuation.
It’s a different story in Havertz’ case however. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have completed the signing of the German international from Chelsea for a £6omillion fee plus £5million in add-ons.
With further arrivals and departures expected at the Emirates, Arteta was questioned by Spanish outlet Marca about their activity in the market.
Kai Havertz, first Arsenal signing as deal will be completed in the next hours — here we go ✅⚪️🔴 #AFC
◉ £60m guaranteed fee;
◉ £5m add-ons;
◉ Long term deal agreed;
◉ Medical tests to be scheduled.
Havertz will sign the contract this week, documents are being prepared. pic.twitter.com/ZatVvO7dRF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023
READ MORE: Arsenal Set To Table New Jurrien Timber Bid This Week After First £30m Offer Was Rejected
Arteta first revealed that the Gunners will ‘attack’ the transfer market this summer.
“We already made a refresh of the squad. We’re now together with owners to build a winning team that could be sustainable for long term.
“We need important players and we’ll attack the market to sign those who we need.”
He was then asked about Arsenal’s links to Rice, to which he was fairly coy in response.
“I can’t talk about players who are not in the club. I prefer not to say anything.” he told Marca.
“Talent comes at a price, and at Arsenal we are always interested in youngsters with experience,”
The same seemingly doesn’t apply to Havertz though, as the Spanish manager was full of praise for the 24-year-old.
“I repeat, I’m not talking about players from other clubs, but in the case of Kai he has already shown a lot, including [winning] a Champions League. He is a talented player, versatile and only 24-years-old.”
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