Arsenal sign Germany midfielder Kai Havertz from Chelsea

LONDON – Germany midfielder-cum-forward Kai Havertz has said Arsenal’s winning mentality is a key factor in his move from Chelsea on a long-term contract, as the Gunners confirmed his transfer on Wednesday.

The fee has not been disclosed but British media reported that Arsenal – who finished second in the English Premier League last season – will pay Chelsea £65 million (S$111.2 million) with an additional £5 million in add-ons.

“It’s super exciting for me to be joining this amazing club and to be part of the Arsenal family. This club has such a big history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things,” the 24-year-old said on the club website.

“The mentality in the Arsenal squad is very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it has been so hard to play against Arsenal recently.

“The aim is to win trophies and I’m going to give everything to do that.”

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was pleased with his new signing, saying: “Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and is an intelligent player.

“He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.”

Havertz joined Chelsea in September 2020 from German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, where he had started his professional career.

The Blues had paid up to £71 million, including add-ons, for the German, according to media reports, making him Chelsea’s second-most expensive signing after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£72 million) at the time.

Havertz made nearly 140 appearances for the club in all competitions. He scored over 30 goals and helped them win the Champions League in 2020-21, as well as the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Club in 2021.

“The German now moves on but leaves with his name etched into Chelsea folklore. We are grateful to Kai for his efforts throughout his time at Stamford Bridge and wish him well,” Chelsea said in a statement.

Havertz, who scored nine goals last season, also posted a farewell message to Chelsea on social media.

He said he was writing “with a heavy heart... saying goodbye to the club that has become my second home, and to the incredible fans who have supported me throughout this amazing journey”.

The attacker has also played 37 times for Germany after making his debut in a 2-1 friendly win over Peru in September 2018.

He was included in their squads for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, where he scored a brace in a 4–2 win over Costa Rica before Germany were knocked out in the group stage.

Arsenal have also reportedly agreed a £105 million deal to sign West Ham United and England midfielder Declan Rice, according to Sky Sports, but nothing has been officially announced yet.

The Gunners’ north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also making moves in the transfer market.

Spurs completed the signing of creative midfielder James Maddison on Wednesday from relegated Leicester City in a deal worth £40 million plus add-ons.

The 26-year-old England international, who has three caps, has signed a five-year deal.

Maddison began his career with Coventry City before joining Norwich City in February 2016. He moved to Leicester in 2018 and in five seasons made 203 appearances, scored 55 goals and helped them win the FA Cup.

He scored 10 goals last season as Leicester were relegated from the Premier League.

Maddison’s creativity will boost a Spurs squad that has lacked a player in his mould since Christian Eriksen left in 2020.

He is the club’s third signing of the summer. Winger Dejan Kulusevski’s loan switch from Juventus was made permanent and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario joined from another Italian club, Empoli.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around Tottenham’s star striker Harry Kane who is entering the last year of his contract.

Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed personal terms with the England captain, but an initial €70 million (S$103.2 million) bid has been rejected. REUTERS, AFP