Arsenal are close to agreeing a £65m deal with London rivals Chelsea to sign forward Kai Havertz.
The Gunners had been interested in signing the German international this summer and made a £60m bid for Havertz earlier this week.
According to the Athletic, the two London clubs have agreed on a fee slightly more than their previous offer in order to sign the 24-year-old.
According to the outlet, personal terms have already been agreed upon with the forward ahead of his move to north London.
On Tuesday, it was claimed that Havertz had been given a long-term contract with Arsenal paying at least £210,000 per week.
After their initial offer of £50m was turned down last week, Arsenal has continued talks with Chelsea over a fee for the Germany international.
However, the Blues are eager to comply with Financial Fair Play rules and have been attempting to sell a number of their first-team players this summer.
Eduoard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, and Romelu Lukaku have all been linked with exits, while N’Golo Kante joined Al-Ittihad on Wednesday.
According to reports, Arsenal believes Havertz’s versatility on the pitch makes him a must-win target for the club.
Their interest in Rice comes as Arteta considers midfielder Thomas Partey surplus to requirements.
See Also: Chelsea Draw Up List To Replace Man City Bound Kovacic
Arsenal may explore releasing players as Arteta looks to rebuild his team ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Southampton’s Lavia is another possible center-field option, but Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are also interested in the Belgian.
Havertz will be hoping to replicate Van Persie’s goal-scoring effect during his final two seasons in north London, when the Dutchman bagged 48 goals in just 63 Premier League appearances.
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