Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring the second goal during the match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on March 18, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal complete the signing of Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz looks dejected during the friendly match between Germany and Colombia at Veltins-Arena on June 20, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Kai Havertz has not had the best time since making the move to the Premiere League from Bayer Leverkusen.
He’ll now have the opportunity to “revive” his career with a new club as Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Havertz from Chelsea.
The Gunners have reportedly paid a fee worth up to £67.5 million, according to ESPN.
“Kai is a player of top quality. He has great versatility and is an intelligent player,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said. “He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play.”
That last part from Arteta might prove to be the crucial point as to whether Havertz signing will turn out to be a good one.
While at Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz was at his best when he played in a more advance role in midfield. At Chelsea, however, he rarely got to play in his preferred position as they preferred to use him as a striker due to their lack of options. His finishing then became inconsistent which ultimately resulted in him being surplus to requirements.
At Arsenal, it sounds like he will be used in midfield and should have the components around him to succeed.
Still, it is quite an expensive gamble given Chelsea are in a position where they need to move players in order to trim down a bloated squad. The fact Havertz is only 24 certainly played a role in the high fee but it’s a rather large one for a player who was out of favor.
For Havertz, the move means a fresh start and a change of scenery, which is sometimes all a player needs in order to get things back on track.
“It’s super exciting for me personally. I’m so glad to join this amazing club.” Havertz said to Arsenal.com. “This club has such a big history, and I hope we can achieve lots of things, and I’m just looking forward to meeting all the players, the staff, and yeah, it’s going to be exciting.”
At the very least, Arsenal will hope his signing adds quality depth to a side who will now be playing in the Champions League next season. The Gunners were so close to winning the league last season before fading away down the stretch.
Havertz will provide another creative outlet in midfield. He also won’t be the last signing the club makes as they look set to complete another big-money move, this time for West Ham’s Declan Rice.
