How new role for Kai Havertz could change Arsenal transfer strategy after Leverkusen masterclass

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Arsenal put on an excellent display in the first of two Emirates Cup games as they thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 on their return to North London.

Goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz handed Arsenal a convincing win, and there were plenty of top performers.

Jesus was excellent as the centre-forward in the first half, with Havertz dropping into a midfield role which often saw him push forward as a second striker.

For the second half, Havertz moved upfront, and this was where he scored his goal from, in an overall outstanding display.

There was plenty of scepticism over whether Havertz would thrive in midfield behind Jesus, but he produced an efficient display, with less touches than usual but to devastating effect as he registered assists for the first two goals.

This performance could mean that Mikel Arteta now changes his transfer plans, with it clear that Havertz will be deployed in midfield more often than expected this season.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Kai Havertz midfield role could change Arsenal transfer plans

As it stands, Arsenal are likely to recruit an attacker in the summer window, but given Havertz’s strong form as a number nine in the second half of last season, he is expected to lead the line, and a winger brought in.

However, with Havertz now excelling behind the striker, a new number nine could be recruited to play alongside him, with the in-form Jesus then providing an option on either wing.

Havertz could then start as the centre-forward instead of a new striker, or be deployed just behind him to play this similar creative role, to allow both attackers to shine.

Could Arsenal sign a striker this summer?

Havertz’s form meant that a new striker was not a priority, but a pacey attacker who could add speed to Arsenal’s transitions was still desired.

However, previous links to Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen could resurface, and either player could double up in a front two with Havertz like Jesus did against Leverkusen.

It remains to be seen whether either player’s asking price could drop, but the path is now clear for a central striker to be signed as a starter, with Havertz potentially taking up this Thomas Muller-esque hybrid forward role more often than previously anticipated.