Kai Havertz could be set for a return to Arsenal’s left-sided central midfield (LCM) role if Mikel Arteta’s recent comments are anything to go by. Prior to the Gunners’ 1–0 win over Newcastle, Arteta gave a telling insight into Havertz’s future. One that may no longer involve leading the line.
Arsenal are widely expected to sign a top striker this summer, raising questions about whether Havertz’s stint as the No. 9 is nearing its end. The German international initially struggled to make an impact as a left-sided midfielder before being tried up front. Arteta kept faith with him there, and although Havertz has scored vital goals, he has not quite delivered the consistent, clinical edge that Arsenal have lacked in tight games.
Arteta’s trust in Havertz remains clear
With a lack of goals proving costly at key moments this season, Arsenal’s hierarchy are determined to add a natural striker to the squad. This has naturally led to speculation that Havertz could lose his place, but Arteta’s pre-match remarks paint a different picture.
“One of the biggest qualities with Kai is his versatility and his goal threat whenever he plays, and he’s so intelligent,” Arteta told reporters. “He will play as a No. 9, he will play as an attacking midfielder, and he will be super important for us as a team.”
It is clear that even with a new striker incoming, Havertz will remain a central figure. Rather than being dropped, he may return to the midfield role where Arteta always believed he could excel.
Could Havertz now thrive in midfield?
Although his early games in midfield failed to impress, Havertz has now had two full seasons to adapt to Arsenal’s tactical system and the demands of the Premier League. His increased confidence and understanding of his teammates could help him flourish in that position this time around.
A more fluid and experienced Arsenal side might finally unlock the German’s potential in a deeper role, especially if he is no longer burdened with leading the line.
Arteta’s challenge will be to strike the right balance. Can he build a system where Havertz makes his mark from deeper positions, or will the German be forced to fight for his place once again?
Daniel O
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Ideally Kai Havertz should be sold, but I can’t see any other club picking up his exorbitant wage bill of over 300k per week.
He is the perfect example of a low impact player earning superstar wages.
Just one of the many reasons why this club is at a standstill and going nowhere fast.
What a pittance he is being paid. Halaand earns more than 500k/week.Salah 400k/week and yet we complain when our superstar earns 300. IMHO, we should immediately raise his and Gab J’s wages to 400-500k/week.and reward Artera with a 10 year contract, see the progress we made. Once we get Nkunku, Mikel will give us the treble.
Two injury-prone superstars – Nkunku and Gab J -in the same team? You cannot be serious! No point in having a debate with you. And while you’re at it, just add a further 10 more years to Arteta’s contract. Nincompoop.
Mate, you sound rude
I’m just drooling over the previous article which states that we, Pool and 4 other clubs are interested in him
Target Mikel not me.nincompoop
“yet we complain when our superstar earns 300”
He’s not our superstar, though – he’s a good player imo, but not our best, or one of our best. Saka, Rice and saliba are our superstars, and Gabriel and timber are probably also in the top bracket within our squad. If we do get a “proper” striker, havertz doesn’t have a clear starting role. I like him, but it’s silly money.
He’s the best 2nd striker you can have. He;s still useful upfront but not in midfield.
Kai should be sold. He is the most useless player arsenal have. He can’t improved because he’s lazy. He and ozil are just the same.
Havetz should play as alternate striker changing places with the new striker we are expecting.
Sometimes I feel sympathy for him that some Arsenal fans are just not willing to give Havetz the credit he deserves. Some even “blame” him for the huge amount the club paid for him as if he forced anybody’s hand for it.
Truth remains that even though he’s no “natural goal scorer” and was not bought for that purpose, he has done a fairly decent job at it. In spite of his long injury layoff he remains the highest scorer in a generally poor season overall.
I believe that Havetź and a quality striker would take Arsenal to greater heights next season
Well it didn’t work before and I don’t see why it should work next season?
Am not sure you’ve been watching Arsenal games. His passes and layoffs are poor. Too much misplace passes. At best we play him in a 4-4-2 formation. He’s useless in any midfield position.
For me Havertz’s return from injury after Arsenal’s season was done and dusted at PSG was irritating. If he arrived for PSG game it was OK. Otherwise his return only benefits his national team for their summer games. Good if he saved his energy for Arsenal pre season. He has no specific position to play as he played also as a LB in his national team. His injury at Dubai resort cost Arsenal. Missed him when needed returned when not needed.
For me, Havertz does an okay job. But is that really enough if you want to win the big trophy’s.