Arsenal have announced themselves in the summer transfer window in style with a big-money move for Chelsea striker Kai Havertz.
The Gunners have agreed a fee of £65 million plus add-ons for the German international, who undertook his medical in Spain last weekend. He has signed a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.
He will wear the No.29 shirt at Arsenal as he did when playing for Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen.
Havertz, 24, had made it clear to Chelsea that he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge after he became aware of the Gunners’ interest in him. The German playmaker arrives as a proven talent in the Premier League, even though he struggled to find his best form in three years at Stamford Bridge. Nonetheless, Havertz produced some big moments during his time with Chelsea—the most notable in the 2020-21 Champions League final when he scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
How Will Arsenal Utilise Kai Havertz?
The 24-year-old follows the profile of acquisitions the Gunners have made under Mikel Arteta—young, exciting, hungry and dynamic with the potential to grow.
Kai Havertz failed to shine at Chelsea as he struggled to find a permanent position under three different managers, with the 24-year-old often used as a false 9. But there is belief that he can play in the middle of the park and fill the vacant No.8 spot, which Granit Xhaka operated in this past season.
Thomas Partey screened Arsenal’s defence, allowing Xhaka and club captain Martin Odegaard to flourish as two attacking No.8s. But Arteta’s new-look midfield would be a massive shift from his first-choice trio last season, which was Xhaka, Partey and Odegaard.
With Xhaka and Partey both expected to leave this summer, Havertz could shine in the engine room alongside Odegaard, who would operate as the other No.8 with Declan Rice potentially doing Partey’s job of shielding the Arsenal defence.
Like Odegaard, Havertz can also essay the No.10 role, linking play and acting as the creative glue of the team. Should Arteta prefer to play Odegaard a bit deeper in midfield, then Havertz would serve as an ideal option to play in the hole behind the striker. In fact, the German’s versatility to operate from that position would bring more flair and dynamism to the Gunners’ attack. However, it would leave more responsibility on Odegaard and Rice in the defensive department.
Kai Havertz is superb technically and tactically, and his composure on the ball and ability to make runs in the box should suit him well to Arsenal’s style of play. Arteta’s side lit up the Premier League with their quick transitions during the 2022-23 campaign, and it is easy to see the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man playing a key role from midfield next term.
For a possession-heavy side like Arsenal, Havertz will be a valuable asset.