Kai Havertz, a forward for Germany, has a contract with Arsenal worth over £65 million.
It is believed that the clubs have reached a preliminary understanding that will permit the player to talk about personal matters and undergo a physical.
Havertz scored nine goals in 47 games for the Blues last season, and his transfer fee might increase with add-ons.
Havertz, 24, moved from Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea in 2020 for a transaction estimated to be worth £71 million.
He also provided Chelsea with the winning goal against Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.
Havertz is set to move across London as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his Arsenal team following qualification for the Champions League.
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Arsenal are also chasing England midfielder Declan Rice, the West Ham captain, but a second bid for the 24-year-old – worth up to £90m – was rejected on Tuesday.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are seeking to reduce their squad size and have also agreed a £30m deal with Manchester City for Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic, 29.
Another midfielder, France international N’Golo Kante, 32, has agreed to sign for Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad when his contract expires at the end of June.
The new ownership at Chelsea want to avoid letting players enter the final two years of their deals and Havertz, whose contract runs out in 2025, has not agreed an extension at the club.
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