Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta to Need Time to See Where £65m Summer Signing Kai Havertz Fits In
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he will need time to see where £65m summer signing Kai Havertz fits into his team. The Germany forward made his debut as a substitute in Arsenal’s 1-1 pre-season friendly with Nuremberg on Thursday.
Arteta said “time will tell” where Havertz, who joined from London rivals Chelsea in June, would be best suited to play.
“We have to see how he adapts and obviously get to know each other and build relationships,” said Arteta. “Football is about that and time will tell where he fits in best.”
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Meanwhile, BBC Sport understands Arsenal will complete the signing of 24-year-old West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice for £105m on Friday. The transfer from West Ham was agreed last month but first negotiations over the structure of the deal, then the time taken to go through the legalities, means it still has not been formally approved.
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Arteta’s squad travel to Washington on Sunday for the start of Arsenal’s three-match tour of the United States. The Gunners begin their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on 12 July (12:30 BST).
Analysis: How Will Havertz Fit In?
Kai Havertz is a highly rated attacking midfielder who has been signed by Arsenal for a hefty fee and is expected to make an immediate impact. However, it is clear that Mikel Arteta is taking a cautious approach and is not rushing into playing him in a specific position. This is understandable as it takes time for players to settle into a new team and environment, and Arteta will want to ensure that Havertz is comfortable in his role before he is thrown into the deep end.
Havertz has played in a variety of positions during his time at Chelsea, including as a central attacking midfielder, left winger, right winger and even as a false nine. He is also capable of playing deeper in midfield if required. This versatility could prove to be invaluable for Arsenal, as it allows Arteta to deploy him in different positions depending on the situation.
The addition of Declan Rice could also be beneficial for Havertz, as it will allow him to play further up the pitch without worrying about defensive duties. Rice is an excellent defensive midfielder who can provide cover for the back four, allowing Havertz to focus on creating chances and scoring goals.
Conclusion
Kai Havertz is an exciting signing for Arsenal and his arrival has generated a lot of excitement amongst fans. However, it is clear that Mikel Arteta is taking a cautious approach with regards to his deployment and will need time to find out where he fits in best. With Declan Rice set to join the club, this could provide Havertz with the freedom he needs to express himself on the pitch and make an impact for Arsenal.