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5 reasons why Kai Havertz would be a great signing for Arsenal

By Lucas Chambers

Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on May 25, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz warms up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on May 25, 2023. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Havertz in action against the Gunners in pre-season. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Havertz in action against the Gunners in pre-season. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

2. Expanding the playmaking horizons

Upon the arrival of Havertz, many doors will open up to allow Arteta to change his system. In his four-year tenure, Arteta has never started a new season without changing his tactical approach and there is no doubt that this season will be no different. Havertz’s tactical awareness and understanding of space means he can drift into spaces when needed.

It would be a mistake by Arteta to adopt the German’s position at Chelsea as he only plays as a striker because of their recent incompetence in the transfer window. If Havertz replaced Xhaka in the XI, Ødegaard could drop deeper and Havertz would have license to dictate attacks. His elite movement in the attacking phase means he could involve the two wingers to get on the ball in the half-spaces or through the lines.

At 6’3″, Havertz could be used as a target man to provide a different threat. He could receive the ball in the air and with the highest aerial duel success rate in the Premier League last season, he could find a teammate or bring the ball down. It would provide a different threat that Arsenal fans are crying out for and despite his inferior finishing, he could be used as a classic striker profile.

The Champions League winner could also be used as a counter-attacking threat. As seen in the Champions League Final, after a handful of passes, a ball from Mason Mount on the halfway line saw Havertz through on goal. After ranking fourth for top speed during his time in the Bundesliga, Havertz’s lack of speed is nothing more than a myth.

His former boss and fellow German, Thomas Tuchel has praised the player and has compared him to some of the best attacking players in the world.

"“I see a bit of Dennis Bergkamp, Robin Van Persie, [Dimitar] Berbatov kind of player. He can play in the half position because he has good runs, but also feels free from the nine and creates overload to one side.” – Tuchel on Havertz (as quoted by The Metro)"

Continued on the next slide…

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