Arteta’s big-money decision questioned as one Arsenal star singled out v West Ham

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Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has not been impressed by what he has seen from Kai Havertz at Arsenal so far.

Arsenal signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea in the recent summer transfer window for a £65 million fee.

Since then, the German has struggled to establish himself at the Emirates Stadium. Having now made sixteen appearances for the north London club across all competitions, the 24-year-old has managed just one goal and one assist. His sole strike for Arsenal came from the penalty spot.

Havertz was handed another opportunity to shine last night against West Ham United in an EFL Cup clash. Given his underwhelming start to life at Arsenal, and having fallen out of the regular starting XI in recent weeks, Havertz really needed to take that opportunity to impress. However, the £280,000-a-week ace could only produce another lacklustre display at the London Stadium.

Darren Bent has now added to the weight of criticism that is piling up on Havertz. Been took to Twitter during the West Ham clash to say, “fair play to west ham , Arsenal not at the races at all tonight. I hate singling out one player but I need someone to explain Why 65 million was spent on Kai havertz and what exactly is he bringing to the team ? 15 games into the season I haven’t seen anything substantial.”

Mikel Arteta will bear brunt of Kai Havertz blowback 

Arsenal paid a hefty fee to bring Havertz to the club, and as yet they haven’t seen anything like they would have hoped for in terms of return on their investment. The player looks woefully short on confidence and uncomfortable with the tactical assignment he has been given by Mikel Arteta, who has regularly fielded him in an unfamiliar midfield role. 

Sporting director Edu, amongst others, will have played a big role in bringing Havertz to Arsenal. However, Arteta will ultimately bear responsibility and take the blame if the player doesn’t come good. The 40-cap Germany international desperately needs something positive to break his way on the pitch to give him a boost.

Until Havertz starts to show some significant improvement, the debate over the sense in signing him will continue.