Manchester United was my dream club. I never wanted to go to any other club. They play my type of football and I was ready to compete with Bruno Fernandes but they never made a move and I had no choice. I wish to play for my dream club one day”- Arsenal star reveals Man United scouted him first but couldn’t pay his transfer fee because he was too expensive.
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz recently revealed that Manchester United had shown interest in him during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, but the potential deal fell through due to the high transfer fee. According to a report from The Athletic, cited by the Express, the Red Devils extensively scouted Havertz before he eventually signed with Chelsea.
Manchester United made their first contact with Havertz in January 2020. At that time, Leverkusen demanded a hefty £90.8 million for the talented German, which deterred United from pursuing further discussions. When the summer transfer window arrived, United did not revive their interest. Instead, Chelsea capitalized on the opportunity, securing Havertz for around £72 million.
During that period, United chose to bolster their attacking options by signing Facundo Pellistri, Amad Diallo, and Edinson Cavani instead of Havertz. While Havertz’s initial performance at Chelsea didn’t fully reflect his potential from Leverkusen, he has started to rediscover his form under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, who are currently leading the Premier League.
Havertz’s recent performances have reminded many of his impressive stint as a 19-year-old captain at Leverkusen. These displays likely cause some reflection among Manchester United’s management about what might have been. His revival at Arsenal has been marked by his crucial role in their attack, showcasing his ability to drop deep, facilitate play, and exhibit strong hold-up skills.
Since joining Arsenal, Havertz has scored 12 goals and provided six assists in 35 league matches. This means he contributes to a goal almost every other game, highlighting his importance. It’s intriguing to consider how his career might have evolved if Manchester United had pursued him in 2020.
Looking forward, if Havertz continues his current form, he will likely justify the £65 million Arsenal paid Chelsea for his transfer two summers ago. His consistent performances could be vital in Arsenal’s bid for the league title, solidifying his role as a key player under Arteta’s guidance.
