Declan Rice drops subtle Kai Havertz transfer hint with double message as Arsenal near deal

Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners are making serious progress towards adding two Premier League stars to their squad for this summer.

Kai Havertz caused quite the stir on social media on Saturday. With a late night post sent out featuring himself and former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen as well as outgoing midfielder Mateo Kovacic, many took it as confirmation of his own exit.

The German forward has agreed a deal to join Arsenal this summer and is expected to have his medical with the Gunners over this weekend ahead of a move for around £65million ($82m), football.london understands. The 24-year-old joined Chelsea in 2020 but has struggled to find form and consistency in the Premier League and is now set to join a host of his teammates in departing from Stamford Bridge. As Mikel Arteta and his men look for added Champions League experience and depth, adding Havertz to their squad is a move that has developed quickly.

Now, with Christensen having left the club last summer on a free transfer after failing to extend his contract, he has been seen with his former teammate. Havertz featured alongside the Danish centre-back during the Champions League final win in 2021 and was part of Thomas Tuchel's impressive side during the period. Kovacic, on the other hand, is likely to follow Havertz away from west London as he has his own medical ahead of a transfer to Manchester City for a fee of £35million ($44.5m). The 29-year-old is out of contract next year and has been battling inconsistent form and injuries himself.

Teammate from the time and current Barcelona left-back Marcos Alonso dropped into the replies, writing: Alright lads. The post, whilst harmless, has angered Chelsea fans labelling the decision as disrespectful and wild. Meanwhile, deeper into the post is a hint from another potential Arsenal transfer incoming. Declan Rice, who has been the subject of two bids Edu Gaspar and his recruitment team, liked the post.

It is a possible hint from Rice that he is set to be linking up with Havertz in north London soon. The West Ham midfielder is the primary target for Arsenal this window but has interest from Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich. It is City that pose the most serious competition currently, though. Rice's relationship with many of the Arsenal squad from time away on England duty could pose as an advantage in their bid to sign him, and the latest subtle nod to a move and an on-field relationship with Havertz have only heightened the excitement of fans.