Exclusive: Arsenal open contract talks with Kai Havertz

Tom Weber

5 Jan 2026 11:38 CST
3 min read

FootballTransfers can reveal that Arsenal are in discussions with Kai Havertz over a new contract.

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We understand that the current talks centre around a one-year extension to the Germany international's existing terms, which run until 2028. Havertz signed his current contract when he joined from Chelsea in a €75 million transfer in the summer of 2023.

Sources tell us that Arsenal want to reward the 26-year-old for his consistently strong performances, exemplary attitude in training and the resilience he has shown in the face of frequent injury setbacks.

Havertz has so far only made one appearance this season - in the 1-0 victory over Man Utd on opening day - due to a knee injury that has kept him out of action since.

The versatile attacker returned to the matchday squad for the Gunners' impressive 4-1 win over Aston Villa last week, but he did not get off the bench and was not involved in the 3-2 victory over Bournemouth at the weekend.

Havertz next in line for extension

We hear that so far during the discussions over this extension, a pay increase has not been mentioned. Instead, Arsenal simply want to attach an additional year to Havertz's deal, thus tying him to the club until 2029.

The level of commitment and determination shown by him on his road to recovery has impressed Mikel Arteta, and Arsenal want to show Havertz their appreciation for his efforts.

Extending the contracts of key players has been Andrea Berta's priority since the summer. Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have all extended their deals, while Leandro Trossard and David Raya have been handed wage increases.

At present, Arsenal are finalising new terms for superstar winger Bukayo Saka and right-back Jurrien Timber. Full agreements for both are understood to be close. There have also been reports that the Gunners want to hand Declan Rice a new contract in the near future.

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