Arsenal forward Kai Havertz recently disclosed that Manchester United had shown interest in him during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen. However, the club refrained from entering into negotiations due to the substantial transfer fee demanded. A detailed report from The Athletic, referenced by the Express, highlights how extensively the Red Devils scouted the versatile playmaker before he eventually moved to Chelsea.
The report indicates that Manchester United first contacted Havertz in January 2020. During this period, Leverkusen set a staggering price of £90.8 million for the young German talent. This steep valuation dissuaded United from pursuing further talks. When the summer transfer window opened, United did not reinitiate their interest. In contrast, Chelsea seized the opportunity and negotiated a deal worth approximately £72 million to secure Havertz’s services.
During this time, United decided to strengthen their attacking options by acquiring Facundo Pellistri, Amad Diallo, and Edinson Cavani instead of Havertz. Although Havertz’s tenure at Chelsea did not entirely reflect the immense potential he demonstrated at Leverkusen, he has begun to find his form with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League table.
In recent months, Havertz’s performances have rekindled memories of the prodigious 19-year-old who once captained Leverkusen, showcasing remarkable stats. Such displays likely provoke a sense of “what could have been” among the Manchester United hierarchy. His resurgence has been marked by his pivotal role in Arsenal’s attacking setup, where his ability to drop deep and facilitate play, coupled with his strong hold-up play, has been particularly notable.
Since joining Arsenal, Havertz has netted 12 goals and provided six assists in 35 league appearances. This impressive contribution of a goal or assist in almost every other game underscores his value. Observers can only speculate on how his career trajectory might have differed had Manchester United negotiated for him back in 2020.
Looking ahead, if Havertz maintains his upward momentum, he is poised to vindicate the £65 million fee Arsenal paid Chelsea for his transfer two summers ago. His consistent performances could play a crucial role in Arsenal’s quest for the league title, cementing his status as a key player under Arteta’s management.