Better than Havertz: Perfect Arsenal signing's contract talks reach 'dead end'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Feb 2026 17:31 GMT
• 9 min read

Analysis

Senny Mayulu's contract talks with PSG have reached a "dead end," which could offer Arsenal the perfect opportunity to sign a long-term successor to Kai Havertz.

The Frenchman has enjoyed a quite stunning rise to prominence at the Parc des Princes. Despite being just 19, Mayulu has already made 72 senior appearances for PSG. He scored the final goal in the Parisians' 5-0 beatdown of Inter in last year's Champions League final.

Despite his incredible development, Mayulu remains something of an enigma. More of a forward by trade, the teenager has seemingly been converted into a midfielder by Luis Enrique.

Current ETV

Senny Mayulu

M (C)

PSG

Senny Mayulu

M (C)

PSG

€26.7M

ETV Range

€24M - €29.3M

View full profile

Most of his appearances have come in a No.8 role, but because of his attacking predilections, he has contributed a respectable four goals and five assists this term, with just two of those goals coming while playing further up the pitch.

This versatile skill set makes the youngster quite a unique talent. However, PSG may have trouble keeping him at the club long-term. That is because ICI reports that contract talks have reached a "dead end," which should be worrying given that his current terms expire in 2027.

Mayulu a good fit for Arsenal

Data from SciSports suggests that Arsenal should look to take advantage of this impasse. According to the analytics firm's Career Advice tool, the Gunners would be a good fit for Mayulu.

SciSports takes several factors, such as game time and development prospects, play style and formation, into account to calculate a player's Club Fit score, and the Premier League leaders rank well with a rating of 76, only bettered by Bayern Munich and Newcastle.

In terms of ability, Mayulu is already believed to be a more refined player than Myles Lewis-Skelly, for example. However, he is still far from the finished product and can develop further.

In fact, in terms of potential, SciSports believes that Mayulu could become a key player for Arsenal if he fulfils his potential. Compared to the Gunners' contemporary midfielders and attacking midfielders, the 19-year-old's potential is only bested by Martin Odegaard's current ability.

This means that SciSports believe Mayulu has a higher ceiling than Kai Havertz, a player who can also seamlessly transition between a midfield and forward role. This is quite interesting with a view to the summer.

Arsenal will likely have to make one or two big sales to make sure that they do not breach UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio rule. Rumours have suggested that Havertz could be a player the North London club may be tempted to cash in on due to interest from Bayern Munich and his injury problems.

With PSG having shown that, after Kylian Mbappe, they will no longer allow valuable players to leave the club on free transfers, they will be compelled to sell Mayulu in the summer if the current contract deadlock persists.

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