Kai Havertz, a Chelsea midfielder, is expected to join Arsenal for a fee of £65 million.

Arsenal are likely to finish their pursuit of Kai Havertz after reaching an agreement on a deal that would secure Chelsea at least £65 million.

The North London clubs have agreed in principle to enable the player to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

Havertz’s cost might climb with add-ons after scoring nine goals in 47 appearances for the Blues previous season.

Havertz, 24, joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for around £71 million.

He also scored the game-winning goal for Chelsea against Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal club is looking to reinforce after qualifying for the Champions League, and Havertz is likely to transfer across London.

Arsenal are also interested in England midfielder Declan Rice, the West Ham captain, although a second approach worth up to £90 million was rejected on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is looking to trim their squad size and has completed a £30 million deal with Manchester City for Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic, 29. N’Golo Kante, 32, of France, has decided to join Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad when his current deal ends at the end of June.

Chelsea’s new ownership prefers not to allow players in the last two years of their contracts, and Havertz, whose contract expires in 2025, has not signed to an extension with the club.