The signing of Kai Havertz was met with raised eyebrows from many Arsenal fans and critics, yet Mikel Arteta’s decision has again proven to be a masterstroke.
The £65m arrival from Chelsea has in 2024 been nothing short of exceptional, with Havertz leading the line for Arsenal in recent weeks and producing some sensational performances.
With a personal best nine Premier League goals already, Havertz at Arsenal has been a match made in heaven, with Arteta rightly deserving of praise for his decision to sign the Chelsea outcast.
Pundit yet to admit Mikel Arteta signing Kai Havertz was smart for Arsenal
Yet speaking on ESPN, pundit Craig Burley is unwilling to give Arteta his flowers over Havertz, even with the German finding new life in north London since departing Stamford Bridge.
Given that Havertz played as a striker for Chelsea, the German international thriving in the position for Arsenal perhaps isn’t a revelation, yet the 24-year-old’s figures speak for themselves.
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Burley said: “He signed him to play him in the middle of the park and as part of a three on the left-hand side. Of course, he can play up top, so I’m not ready to give Arteta anything, because he didn’t sign him to play centre-forward.
“The fact is, what he’s doing for Arsenal now is what Chelsea thought when they signed him. but I’m not sure Arteta bought this guy to play where he is right now.”
Signing Kai Havertz has been a revelation
As mentioned, many were skeptical over how well Havertz would actually do at Arsenal given how underwhelming the former Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid was at Chelsea.
Yet like so many times before, Arteta has silenced the doubters and given Havertz a platform to thrive on, with the German’s arrival nothing short of a revelation for the north London side.
Whilst the 24-year-old is yet to take up the midfield role like many expected, Havertz’s performances in the attack this year have been amazing, and credit must be given to Arteta in his influence in signing the German.