Arsenal star Kai Havertz has hatched a plan to win the ‘trust’ of the Emirates Stadium fanbase as it can be ‘tough’ after a transfer to the Gunners from London rival Chelsea.
The 24-year-old left the west of the capital for the north this summer as Mikel Arteta moved to improve his midfield. But Havertz has endured a difficult adaptation to Arsenal after three seasons with Chelsea. Even though he has taken up a vital role in the Gunners’ engine room.
Arteta has started Havertz in 14 of a potential 19 games since signing the 41-cap German for £67.5m. The midfielder, who cost the Gunners an initial £62.5m, has further played in all 19 matches on offer at Emirates Stadium. No other Arsenal player has featured in every fixture.
Kai Havertz hatches a plan to win the ‘trust’ of Arsenal’s fans
Havertz has so far only returned Arsenal’s investment with one goal and one assist in 1,248 minutes across all competitions. The Aachen-born ace penned his first goal for the Gunners with a penalty at AFC Bournemouth. He then recorded a first assist against Manchester City.
But goals and assists are not the bread and butter of what Havertz adds to Arteta’s side. The former Bayer Leverkusen maestro’s aerial presence offers Arsenal another element. He also only offered Chelsea 32 goals and 15 assists in 139 games having played in a variety of roles.
Kai Havertz always knew joining from Chelsea would be ‘tough’
Pundits have often been quick to question what Havertz gives the Arsenal side since his big-money move from Chelsea. Gabby Agbonlahor, for example, claimed earlier this month that Havertz is even ‘getting worse’ amid a lack of confidence and ‘slows down’ Arsenal’s attacks.
But Havertz always knew that it would be ‘tough’ to win the trust of the Arsenal fanbase by joining from a direct rival in Chelsea. So, he hopes to gain their backing by giving everything with each appearance and in training at London Colney. It is also ‘important’ that they see it.
“It’s very important to feel trust from the fans,” Havertz told the Arsenal club website. “It’s always tough when you come from Chelsea because they are big rivals. So, it can take weeks to get some trust from the fans.
“But goals and good games can help me to get it and I will always give 100 per cent in the games and training sessions. I think they will recognise this, as well, which is very important. I’m really happy to be here.”
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