Journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared Arsenal’s current stance on Kai Havertz.
Arsenal paid £65 million to prise Kai Havertz away from London rivals Chelsea in the recent summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta will certainly have had very high hopes for the German at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Havertz hasn’t been able to hit the ground running for the Gunners. Whilst his form hasn’t been awful, his performances for Arsenal so far have been underwhelming. With nine competitive appearances for the club in all competitions now under his belt, the 24-year-old is still yet to record his first goal or assist.
There have been unfortunate moments. He ought to have had an assist against Brentford on Wednesday evening, but Reiss Nelson failed to steer his cut back on target. There have also been frustrating moments. For instance, with a clear site of goal against Manchester United, Havertz sliced his attempted volley horribly and the chance went begging.
Of course, there is still plenty of time for the £280,000-a-week attacker to come good. Arsenal are not overly concerned about the outcome of their investment in the player at this stage.
Kai Havertz slowly improving at Arsenal
Fabrizio Romano, in his recent daily briefing, has said, “it was not an easy beginning of the season for the player, but the message coming from the club and the coaching staff, those close to Mikel Arteta and those close to the board, is that they will protect Kai Havertz.”
“For Havertz to adapt to new tactics, new methods and a new way of playing was not completely easy, but the club are absolutely confident and trust him. They paid big money because they believe that he’s an important player…not an easy August or September for Kai Havertz but the Gunners will keep going with him. No drama, no panic and they are prepared to fight together.”
It was always likely to take some time for Havertz to adapt to life under Arteta. At Chelsea, he was used as a striker. Now, Arteta is regularly deploying the 39-cap Germany international in a midfield role.
There are signs that he is gradually growing more accustomed to the position. Certainly from a defensive perspective, there are reasons to applaud his contribution. In the EFL Cup clash with Brentford on Wednesday evening, Havertz recorded four tackles, five clearances, and won five aerial duels, as per WhoScored statistics.
It is in the final third that things are yet to click. Havertz looks woefully short on confidence in front of goal at this stage in his Arsenal career. He needs a moment of fortune to break his way, though, and the hopefully he will then be able to kick on with greater belief in his own ability.
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