%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Kai Havertz's form has changed Arsenal's summer transfer plan
- Kai Havertz has found a rich vein of form while deployed up front
- Arsenal now unlikely to target high-profile striker this summer
- Winger set to be the summer priority
Arsenal long seemed poised to acquire a superstar striker this summer, but Kai Havertz's form while deployed as a #9 has forced Mikel Arteta to rethink his transfer strategy.
Arteta was coy regarding Havertz's potential role in his system from the get-go. After starting up top during the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City, the German started the Premier League campaign in a deeper position.
Struggling to replicate Granit Xhaka's efficiency, Havertz was initially chastised amid a difficult start to his Gunners career. However, in 2024, the German international has been rejuvenated having starred in a forward position. Havertz has nine goal contributions in his previous seven league outings, displacing Gabriel Jesus up top.
And it's not just Jesus who's been thrust to the side. Havertz's stellar form is set to alter the profile of forward Arsenal target in the summer transfer window.
Kai Havertz's form has changed Arsenal's summer transfer plan
Arsenal have been linked with a litany of high-profile strikers for the summer after the club opted against moving for a #9 following a profligate run in the winter.
At the time, many saw the need to upgrade on the frequently unavailable Gabriel Jesus before Havertz came to the fore.
Now, according to the Daily Mirror's John Cross, Havertz hasn't been so good that Arsenal won't target a striker entirely this summer, but the club are unlikely to spend much of their budget on one addition. Thus, moves for Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres or Evan Ferguson, who's also on Arsenal's radar, would be out of the question.
Instead, the Gunners will target the signings of a developmental and affordable #9 as well as a star winger to complement Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The latter has endured a difficult season having shone last term, while Saka still lacks a serious competitor for his spot down the right.
The club have previously been linked with Wolves' Pedro Neto, while Athletic Club's Nico Williams could be available. Milan's Rafael Leao would surely be the utopia.
READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!
feed