Havertz transfer talk has Nketiah questioning Arsenal future

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing a potential problem in his squad as a result of the imminent signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

Arsenal have agreed a £65m deal with Chelsea which would see the Germany international move across London this summer.

Havertz, 24, is set to undergo a medical with Arsenal after agreeing personal terms with the Gunners.

It is believed that Arsenal will pay the bulk of the £65m fee in three instalments, with a small percentage of the figure made up in performance-related add-ons.

The expected signing of Havertz is just one deal that Arsenal are currently working on, with the club also in negotiations to sign Declan Rice from West Ham and Jurrien Timber from Ajax.

While the transfer activity is positive news for Arsenal supporters, the imminent arrival of Havertz may have created an unwanted problem for Arteta.

According to The Sun, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been 'unsettled' by the club's approach for Havertz.

Nketiah, 24, played a key role for the Gunners last season, stepping up when Gabriel Jesus was injured for several months midway through the campaign.

He contributed nine goals and three assists in 39 appearances but lost his place in the side once Jesus returned from injury.

The signing of Havertz could push Nketiah further down the pecking order at the Emirates, although The Athletic claim Arteta is considering converting Havertz into a midfielder.

Nevertheless, his arrival presents a potential problem for Nketiah and has put other clubs in the Premier League - including Crystal Palace and West Ham - on 'red alert'.

"Eddie's at a key stage in his career. He feels he’s now proved he can score goals at the highest level and the next step is to be playing week in week out," a source told The Sun.

"But the fact the club has decided to invest so heavily in another striker has left Eddie wondering if he really has a future at the club.

"There would certainly be no shortage of takers if he were to push for a move. Crystal Palace and West Ham are both near the front of the queue.

"Both clubs lack a 20-goal-a-season man which Nketiah believes he can be in the Premier League."

However, Arsenal are said to be in no mood to 'rush Nketiah on' and want to keep him at the Emirates.

"Mikel Arteta rates Eddie very highly," the source added.

"Now they are in the Champions League he thinks the club needs at least three top strikers which is why he was so keen to bring in Kai Havertz, a player with proven Premier League and European experience.

"Arteta may also play with two up front more often next season so he wants to have more options at his disposal.

"Eddie will need to be patient and it will come down to whether he's prepared to do that or not."