Kai Havertz enjoyed a strong second half of theseason with Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
Kai Havertz believes he is finally confident he knows what his best position is after a enjoy a sparkling end to the season with Arsenal.
Eyebrows were raised last summer when Mikel Arteta sanctioned a £65million move for the former Chelsea star who had flattered to deceive during three turbulent years at Stamford Bridge.
Arteta’s initial plan had been to deploy Havertz as an attacking midfielder and fill the role Granit Xhaka had undertaken the previous campaign.
Havertz struggled to cope with the demands of his new role and showed only flashes of the potential required to fill a position that required such tactical discipline.
Following an injury to Gabriel Jesus and allied to Eddie Nketiah’s loss of form, Havert was redeployed as a centre forward and his form blossomed.
After finishing the season in such superb fashion, Arsenal have now changed their initial plans for the summer window and are now looking to sign a young forward to compliment their existing options, rather than look for the finished article.
Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko appears the most likely signing at this point but he will have to bide his time if he is to oust Havertz from the starting line-up.
Kai Havertz is now a firm favourite at Arsenal after a difficult start (Picture: Getty)
‘I clearly see myself as a number 9 in the national team – and that’s what I am now at Arsenal,’ Havertz told Welt am Sonntag (via SportWitness).
‘But I don’t mean the classic nine. Where else are they available? Even Erling Haaland or Harry Kane, who you immediately think of, don’t just stand in the box and wait for the finish.
‘The players who are waiting there no longer exist in modern football.
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‘I am someone who enjoys letting go and making deep runs. But it is also clear to me that I will be measured by goals.’
Asked what had contributed most to his change in fortunes, Havertz added: ‘Arsenal has always impressed me – and so has this fact. I really wanted to join this club because they have a clear plan and a predetermined development with the goal of winning titles. The change was worth it.
‘Chelsea fans were angry that I left, the Arsenal fans weren’t so enthusiastic either, because it didn’t go so well at start.
‘Then there is strength when the coach, teammates and the people in your close environment stand by you and support you.’
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