Rio Ferdinand has already noticed one big difference between Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal

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Arsenal are preparing to face Villarreal in their latest pre-season friendly clash.

Mikel Arteta’s side will have the opportunity to play at the Emirates Stadium for the first time in the 2025-26 campaign as they take on the Spanish outfit.

With two wins out of three so far in pre-season, it has been a fairly positive start to preparations and the Gunners will now want to kick on ahead of their season opener against Manchester United.

All eyes will be on new signing Viktor Gyokeres as he is set for his home debut in the clash but the Swede is not necessarily guaranteed to start for Arsenal this season and will have a fight for his place on his hands.

READ MORE: Arsenal could be about to make a signing that is ‘fantastic news’ for Viktor Gyokeres

Rio Ferdinand highlights the importance of Kai Havertz as well as Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Rio Ferdinand has highlighted the importance of Kai Havertz to the Gunners this season alongside new signing Gyokeres.

Havertz gave a warm welcome to Gyokeres upon his arrival to the recent pre-season tour of Asia and Ferdinand believes they can both bring something different to Arsenal’s title challenge.

Ferdinand stated: “I think Arsenal, if I thought they could win it, they are much stronger now with Gyokeres in the team.

“I love Havertz by the way, he’s a top player, they have two now who can play there, I think they’re an absolute threat. Gyokeres lives to finish, Havertz wants to be in the game and get involved, but this other guy wants to just bang goals.”

Jamie Carragher has backed Havertz to keep his place in the Arsenal team this season despite the arrival of the Swedish striker.

Both players offer a different dynamic in the number nine position and it is up to Arteta to choose the right player against the right opponent.

The season opener at Old Trafford could be the perfect opportunity to utilise Gyokeres as he offers a real threat in behind defences and Ruben Amorim’s side are likely to want to take the game to the Gunners.

Kai Havertz record with Timo Werner shows he can play alongside Viktor Gyokeres

There is also the option for Arteta this season to play Havertz and Gyokeres alongside each other in a slight tweak in formation.

The Gunners had 14 draws last campaign and often in those games, they struggled to break down stubborn defences with simply not having enough players getting into the box and into goal scoring positions.

Havertz played alongside Timo Werner for Chelsea and Germany in a 4-4-2 system and to great effect, picking up virtually an average of 2 points per game.

Arsenal were missing that cutting edge in the box at times last season and having the physical presence of Havertz and the predatory instincts of Gyokeres on the same pitch might be a solution Arteta turns to this campaign.