Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hints at imminent signing for ‘versatile’ Kai Havertz, refuses to discuss Declan Rice

Mikel Arteta has hinted that Chelsea forward Kai Havertz is on the verge of signing for Arsenal, but refused to discuss a potential move for Declan Rice.

In an interview with Marca during a short break in Mallorca, Arteta was questioned about German international’s pending move to the Gunners.

Usually, Arteta does not discuss players that could potentially be on their way to Emirates Stadium – as is the case with Rice – but gave an open response when asked about the pending Havertz deal.

“Talent comes at a price, and at Arsenal, we are always interested in youngsters with experience,” he said. “I repeat, I’m not talking about players from other clubs.

“But in the case of Kai [Havertz] he has already shown a lot, including a Champions League. He is a talented player, versatile and only 24 years old.”

But Spaniard remained tight-lipped when quizzed about the Rice saga, as Arsenal and Arteta’s former club Manchester City continue to battle for the West Ham captain’s signature.

“I can’t talk about players who are not in the club,” was his immediate response. “I prefer not to say anything.”

Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly agreed to a fee in the region of £65 million which will see Havertz swap west London for north London in a move across the capital.

The club, however, are still pushing to sign England star and No. 1 target Rice in what would be a club-record move.

It is understood Arsenal are preparing a third bid after the first two – of around £75m plus £15m in add-ons – were rejected.

Man City also hold a strong interest in Rice, but will reportedly only make an offer if they are convinced the player wants to join, with his preference reportedly to stay in London and play for Arsenal.

Arteta arrived in the hot seat at Arsenal in 2019 with the club struggling to qualify for the Champions League – a competition they had so often competed in under Arsene Wenger until their last appearance in 2017.

The 41-year-old’s appointment came following Unai Emery’s dismissal and Arteta believes he knows the moment he wanted to return to the club he represented as a player for four years.

“This started three years ago,” Arteta explained. “I was Pep’s assistant at City, we played against Arsenal and I saw that the soul of the club had been lost. You couldn’t enjoy it, you couldn’t feel it.

“I knew that there was the option of, shortly after, being on the other bench and I knew that this club is so big that you had to connect the team with the fans. It has been hard to do and undo… and now I feel happy.

“We have a clear identity, there is union and we are full of energy. That’s the biggest. From top to bottom, they all push in the same direction. We give the fan something to dream about and be proud of. And now, you have to earn more.

“It was very clear. I drew a tree and its roots and said that the problem was ours – all that had to be cured, and cured with people who got involved. Without it, there would be no public entertainment.”

Three years into his return to the club, Arsenal were in contention for their first Premier League title since 2004 when they led Man City for large parts of the season.

Injuries and a poor patch of form derailed the Gunners during the run-in as Pep Guardiola’s side went on to claim their fifth title in six years.

“To this day, it still hurts me deeply, not having won the Premier [League] after spending 10 months fighting with City,” Arteta said as he reflected on a difficult end to the previous campaign. “But that’s the sport.

“That said, what has been achieved with such a young team is worthwhile. That is clear to me too.”

Recently he was linked to the PSG job – the club he played for from 2001 to 2002 – with current manager Christophe Galtier’s job on the line, but Arteta seems more than content in north London.

“I can only say that I’m happy at Arsenal. I feel loved and also appreciated by the owners. I’ve lot of things to do for this club,” he said.

“I’m very happy and really, but trust me incredibly grateful for being Arsenal’s manager”.