Leaked footage of Kai Havertz's first interview as an Arsenal player, as well as the 'official' announcement, has emerged online, despite the transfer not being officially announced.
A fee of £65 million has been agreed between Chelsea and Arsenal for the services of German international Havertz, according to widespread reports.
The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, who completed the first part of his medical at the weekend, will wear the 29 shirt in the coming months – a number he describes as "perfect".
Speaking about the number in that leaked interview below, he said: “I’ve had it now for many years. I chose it when I became professional in Germany. Since then it has always given me luck.
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“You know, when I became professional I took it because it has some history with my brother. We used to take it always when we played some video games together.
“So since then I just took it, and for me, I think it’s the perfect number and I love to wear it in a red shirt again.”
As well as touching on his shirt number, the former Bayer Leverkusen man opens up on why he decided to join last season's Premier League runners up.
“It's super exciting for me personally. I'm so glad to join this amazing club," he said.
“This club has such a big history and I hope we can achieve lots of things. I'm looking forward to meeting the players and staff, it's going to be exciting.
"You can see the family mentality the team has on the pitch and I guess they have it off the pitch as well.
“The team mentality in the squad is very, very high and you can feel that. That was one of the reasons why it was so hard to play against Arsenal.
“And, obviously, there are so many talented players and, you know, there’s big room to achieve big things as well.”
Havertz also speaks about playing in Europe next season. “I think the Champions League is a special tournament and I think every football player just loves to play there," he added.
“I was fortunate to win the trophy and you know, for me, it was the best feeling I’ve ever had. So to play there again next season with Arsenal is very exciting for me.”
In an interview with The Telegraph on Monday, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta spoke about Havertz and his qualities - a rarity considering he often refuses to discuss players currently contracted to other clubs.
He explained: "Talent comes at a price, and at Arsenal we are always interested in youngsters with experience.
"I repeat, I'm not talking about players from other clubs, but in the case of Kai he has already shown a lot, including a Champions League [win].
"He is a talented player, versatile and only 24 years old."
Thoughts on the signing of Havertz from Chelsea? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Kai Havertz, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Arsenal, Premier League, Germany
Jack Kenmare