Arsenal’s £65m Kai Havertz transfer ‘was almost HIJACKED by European giants at last minute’
ARSENAL’S transfer to sign Kai Havertz was almost HIJACKED at the 11th hour by Real Madrid, reports suggest.
Havertz sealed a £65million move from Chelsea to Arsenal on Wednesday.
GettyReal Madrid tried to hijack Arsenal’s transfer for Kai Havertz[/caption]
GettyBut he ultimately sealed a £65m move to the Gunners[/caption]
However, Spanish outlet Relevo have reported the Gunners were not alone in trying to land the German.
They claim Spanish giants Madrid placed a last-minute phone call to try and convince Havertz to change his mind.
Havertz, 24, was thought to hold an interest in heading to La Liga, but ultimately decided to stay in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta appears to have convinced Havertz with his vision of playing him in a new position – as an attacking midfielder instead of up front.
But fans were left shocked at the nature of the announcement after realising Arsenal had headed to Kepa Arrizabalaga’s WEDDING RECEPTION as part of their announcement video.
The North Londoners were accused of “disrespect” over the deal, with one fan saying: “You did this at Kepa’s wedding, the disrespect man!!.”
Another added: “I’m surprised Kepa didn’t mind this, I would have.”
A third wrote: “Havertz got married to Arsenal same day, same place his former team-mate Kepa wedded. The video was shot in front of his former Chelsea team-mates. Brutal”
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
Following the move, Arsenal soon agreed a Premier League British transfer record of £105m including add-ons for Declan Rice.
The deal will see West Ham receive £100m plus £5m in add-ons, although the structure for the payments is still being negotiated.
Arsenal have also reportedly agreed a fee of £40m, including £4m in add-ons, for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
This outlay will take the Gunners over the £200m mark for their summer spending.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates
