Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has reportedly cautioned manager Mikel Arteta about the placement of the club’s recent signing, Kai Havertz, suggesting that playing him out of position has led to subpar performances. Despite a hefty £65 million transfer from Chelsea, Havertz has struggled to showcase his best form at Arsenal, managing only one goal and one assist in 18 appearances across all competitions.
Kroenke emphasized that Havertz, deemed a “special player,” could still thrive at the club if deployed in his rightful position. At Chelsea, the 24-year-old German frequently played as a striker, a role he has yet to assume at Arsenal. Arteta has predominantly placed him in midfield, often on the left or recently on the right in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard.
Mikel Arteta, expressing satisfaction with Havertz’s performance against Burnley, acknowledged the need for improvement in front of goal. However, the decision to not utilize Havertz as a striker, even during the absence of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah due to injuries, has raised eyebrows.
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson voiced his concerns, asserting that Havertz is better suited to a forward role. Merson highlighted the player’s stature at 6ft 4in and suggested he could thrive as a center forward or even as a No.10. Despite current struggles, Merson expressed hope that Havertz, whom he considers a special talent, will overcome this challenging phase in his career.
