Arteta’s transfer plan changes as bid prepared for €75m attacker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may be forced into a rethink of his summer transfer plans amid uncertainty in the Emirates side’s attacking unit – with the future of Kai Havertz now uncertain.

Viktor Gyokeres’ slow start to life in North London has seen the Swede come under the microscope, while Gabriel Jesus’ injury issues and expiring contract have seen doubts emerge over the Brazil international.

But it’s now Havertz’s future that is in doubt, completing a clean sweep of uncertainty when it comes to the Gunners front-line centre-forwards.

Bayern target Kai Havertz deal

Bayern Munich have emerged as a potential suitor for the Germany international forward, according to Fichajes.

FCB are hopeful of taking advantage of the competition that Havertz faces to prise him away from the North London giants, with Vincent Kompany’s side plotting a €62.5 million bid.

Injury has hit the 26-year-old this season, restricting him to just six appearances across all competitions. He has managed only 196 minutes of football but has scored two goals.

Given that Havertz’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sits at s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sits at €62.5m, Arsenal’s resolve is set to be tested by the Bundesliga leaders.

A perfect fit for Kompany

Bayern are eager to sign Havertz because they believe that he is the perfect fit for Kompany’s system due to his tactical versatility, which Arteta has used to good effect at Arsenal, even planning to transform him into a central midfielder at one point.

Serge Gnabry’s potential departure from the Allianz Arena is seen as a catalyst for the deal. The right winger is out of contract at the end of the season and appears primed to depart as a free agent.

If this happens, Havertz has been earmarked as a replacement – and it is claimed that there is a “mutual interest” in this deal being completed.

What this means for Arsenal

Havertz is under contract with Arsenal until 2028, meaning the Gunners have a strong degree of control over the situation, but Arteta is unlikely to stand in his way if he is determined to leave.

It would leave the Gunners seeking an additional attacking option. While it might secure Gyokeres’ long-term future at the club as Arsenal are unlikely to want to replace two forwards in the same window, it would give the Gunners the versatility to potentially replace the Swede as the first-choice No.9.

Equally, though, Havertz’s ability to play in multiple roles is something that Arteta values and would likely seek to replicate in any new addition.

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