3 tactical reasons that justify the Kai Havertz risk

2. Height

The Arsenal front four are not the tallest, and in some games, the lack of height has been an issue, especially when it comes to a plan B.

Havertz stands at 6’4, and ten of his 32 Premier League goals came with his head, giving Arsenal a different option in the middle, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard having a kind of target man to aim for.

£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

At Chelsea, he also won the most aerial duels last season, which again gives Arsenal a hold-up option to sit alongside Jesus and Saka, who has surprisingly good aerial ability (but, he is the best in the world in his position, so that’s not a surprise).

Much like his flick-ons and layoffs, this threat becomes even more potent with players in close proximity and is something that players like Odegaard can really thrive off.

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