Kai Havertz ‘becomes Arsenal’s top earner with astonishing salary 67 per cent above second highest paid player’
KAI HAVERTZ has reportedly become Arsenal’s highest-paid player following his arrival at the Emirates.
Havertz sealed a £65million move from Chelsea to Arsenal on Wednesday.
We have revealed how the transfer was almost HIJACKED at the 11th hour by Real Madrid.
But the Gunners managed to get the deal over the line – although fans were left shocked at the nature of the big news being confirmed after realising Arsenal had headed to Kepa Arrizabalaga’s WEDDING RECEPTION as part of their announcement video.
Now Bild are claiming the the 24-year-old German international has instantly become the club’s top earner after penning a £17m-a-year deal.
That package will net his £331,000-a-week with the added incentive of more money to come depending on Arsenal’s success on the pitch.
They claim that Thomas Partey (£198,000-a-week) was the previous best-paid player at the Emirates, although Sun Sport believes Bukayo Saka topped that with his new bumper £300,000-a-week contract.
Havertz will wear his beloved No29 shirt – after having the number at Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea.
He spent three years at Stamford Bridge, scoring the winner in the Champions League final before adding Super Cup and Club World Cup winner’s medals.
Havertz scored 32 goals in 139 appearances for the Blues under four different Chelsea managers, including two spells with Frank Lampard in the dugout.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The most important of those was his memorable finish against Manchester City in Lisbon two years ago as the West Londoners were crowned Kings of Europe.
However, after playing as a forward – and usually as a striker – for Chelsea, Mikel Arteta hinted he could be ready to switch into a new role at the Emirates.
Although he has moved straight to the top of the pay structure, he could soon have some competition after Arsenal agreed a Premier League British transfer record of £105m including add-ons for Declan Rice.
The deal will see West Ham receive £100m plus £5m in add-ons, although the structure for the payments is still being negotiated.
Arsenal have also reportedly agreed a fee of £40m, including £4m in add-ons, for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
This outlay will take the Gunners over the £200m mark for their summer spending.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates