3 tactical reasons that justify the Kai Havertz risk

Kai Havertz to Arsenal is as good as done, and it has been unsurprisingly met with mixed feelings given his form at Chelsea.

However, it is important to remember that Chelsea paid £75m for him just three years ago and he was regarded as one of the best talents in the world at the time.

During his time, he scored the winner in the Champions League final and wrote his name into their history, but fans have short memories.

3 tactical reasons that justify the Kai Havertz risk

Kai Havertz, first Arsenal signing as deal will be completed in the next hours — here we go ✅⚪️🔴 #AFC

◉ £60m guaranteed fee;

◉ £5m add-ons;

◉ Long term deal agreed;

◉ Medical tests to be scheduled.

Havertz will sign the contract this week, documents are being prepared. pic.twitter.com/ZatVvO7dRF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023

1. Technical ability

Havertz is a player who floats around the pitch, linking play and advancing into the box to disrupt and intrude; qualities that cause havoc in the right system.

At Chelsea, he was used predominantly as a target man last season with huge distances between him and his teammates, which nullified many of his unique qualities.

£50+15m for Kai Havertz is not a bad deal for a 24 year old, who cost £90m three years ago. At his best at Leverkusen and Chelsea, he played in systems with high lines, intricate build ups, and close proximity to teammates i.e. the #Arsenal way. #AFC pic.twitter.com/8GmvqieuML
— Adam Keys (@adamkeys_) June 21, 2023

By contrast, Arsenal play with their technicians in close proximity to each other, which would reduce the length of time Havertz would need on the ball and allow him to utilise his big frame to pass and move before bursting into the box.

On the ball, Havertz is a player who can hold up play, and last season had the most layoffs and flick-ons for Chelsea. With players closer to him at Arsenal, he could really shine with those skills.

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