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Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has revealed that Manchester United scouted him first in his Bayer Leverkusen days but were deterred by the transfer fee and did not even enter negotiations.
A report from The Athletic as cited by Express reveals that The Red Devils scouted the versatile playmaker heavily before he joined Chelsea from Leverkusen.
According to the report, United made contact with Havertz in January 2020 but were quoted £90.8m by Leverkusen when they registered interest in the German.
Man United opted not to renegotiate in the summer and they watched as Chelsea reached an agreement in the region of £72m to acquire his services.
United ended up signing Facundo Pellistri, Amad Diallo and Edinson Cavani to bolster their attack in lieu of Havertz.
Although Havertz failed to reach the tremendous potential he showed at Leverkusen while at Chelsea, he has certainly been finding his feet in Arteta’s table topping Gunners.
His performances this season especially over the past couple of months have shown glimpes of that promising 19-year-old who captained Leverkusen while posting insane numbers which will have United hierarchy wondering ‘what if?’
If his upward trajectory goes on, he will be well on his way to justifying the £65million Arsenal paid to London rivals Chelsea for his signature two summers ago, especially if he goes on to win the league.
His willingness to drop deep to connect play as well as his overall hold up play are a thing of admiration.
The Germany international has scored 12 and assisted six in 35 league appearances so far this season, leading the line rather impressively at the Emirates.
A goal or assist every other game is a very impressive return and one can’t help but wonder how he would have done at United if the club’s hierarchy negotiated for him.
