'He's a top class player': Kai Havertz says one Arsenal summer signing really surprised him

Today at 03:15 AM

Arsenal enjoyed a pretty fruitful summer on the transfer front, bringing in several key signings which have improved the quality of Mikel Arteta's squad.

Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori was first through the doors at N5, followed by Spain midfielder Mikel Merino.

Arsenal then swooped for two new players on transfer deadline day, first bringing Brazil goalkeeper Neto to the Emirates Stadium.

Then came the grand finale, as the Gunners signed England winger Raheem Sterling on loan from London rivals Chelsea right on the cusp of the deadline.

Sterling’s move to Arsenal reunited him with Kai Havertz, who played alongside him at Stamford Bridge.

Havertz has now spoken about his former Blues teammate’s switch to N5, including how he found out that Sterling was Arsenal-bound.

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has good relationship with Raheem Sterling

Havertz, speaking to Sky Sports, said he hadn’t even spoken to Sterling about the move beforehand, as he wasn’t in the loop.

Indeed, he found out that the Three Lions ace was Arsenal-bound while surfing transfer news on his phone.

The Gunners is pleased to be reunited with Sterling, as they had a good relationship at Chelsea, and has claimed that the winger will enjoy life at the Emirates Stadium.

"Yeah, obviously, it's so nice to have him back,” said Havertz.

“I didn't speak to him before he came because I didn't even know he was coming. I was looking on my phone and I just saw he was close to joining Arsenal.

“I saw him after our game against Brighton. It was nice to see him again because I already had a good relationship with him (at Chelsea).

“He's a top-class player. He proved it so many times in the Premier League already. I think it's great to have him here, and I think he really is going to enjoy his time here."

How much are Arsenal paying for Sterling loan?

TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, citing sources close to the deal, said the station had it "confirmed" that Arsenal are paying just 30 percent of Sterling's wages.

This has left Chelsea to pick up the tab for the remaining £12million-a-year in a move believed to be driven by Behdad Eghbali.

"Arsenal will be laughing all the way to the bank if Sterling gets back to anywhere near his top form," said Crook.