Arsenal to submit second Kai Havertz bid as Crystal Palace join Balogun battle

Arsenal remain in discussions with Chelsea over a deal for Kai Havertz and are expected to submit an improved offer after seeing their opening proposal rebuffed by the Gunners. Talks have escalated quickly between the parties this week after Arsenal approached the Blues to outline their desire to sign the German international, who is quickly approaching the final two years of his contract in west London.

Havertz is understood to have told Chelsea earlier this month that he was open to the prospect of a new challenge following an initial enquiry from Real Madrid.

However, Los Blancos swiftly walked away from the table when they were told Chelsea were looking for in excess of £70million to £75m – despite the knowledge that Karim Benzema was headed for Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad after 14 years at the Bernabeu.

Arsenal have now seen an opening bid rejected for their primary attacking target by their London counterparts although sources are refusing to disclose the numbers involved.

However, Express Sport understands that Chelsea are willing to accept considerably lower than the £70m/£75m valuation that has been widely reported should Havertz fail to extend his contract – something that now looks out of question.

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Similarly to Declan Rice, the sticking point is that Chelsea – much like West Ham – would like the majority of that figure in guaranteed payments as opposed to add-ons, such as winning the Premier League or Champions League.

Talks have been moving smoothly between the two parties and Arsenal are expected to submit an improved bid in due course. Reports in Germany suggest Bayern Munich have also entered the running which may encourage the Gunners to move speedily.

The 23-year-old Champions League-winner is understood to be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium after three frustrating seasons at Stamford Bridge having managed just seven Premier League goals this term.

Chelsea also remain in discussions with Manchester City and Manchester United over the possible sales of Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount.

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If Arsenal are to execute the double acquisitions of Rice and Havertz respectively, outgoings could prove integral to additional spending this summer.

The Gunners are due to hold talks with Eddie Bonsu, the agent of striker Folarin Balogun, following the conclusion of the international break after the 21-year-old made his debut for the USMNT in the 3-0 win over Mexican.

Balogun is prepared to leave Arsenal this summer to pursue regular football after scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season during a stunning loan spell with Stade Reims.

Express Sport understands Crystal Palace have now entered the race for the Hale End academy graduate and have asked for information on the prolific forward.

Yet unfortunately for the Eagles they are not alone and although there has been no formal bids at this moment in time, Balogun is not expected to be short of offers this summer.

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio was also in London this week and is understood to have registered his interest in Balogun, who is a potential option for the Champions League finalists in attack next season.

Other European clubs are also well informed on Balogun’s situation including RB Leipzig although the Bundesliga outfit have other names in their sights including Lens striker Lois Openda.

Arsenal are willing to offload Balogun this summer as Mikel Arteta cannot offer assurances of regular playing time, however, the Gunners could seek to include a buy-back option so they retain some element of control over the player.

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