Darren Bent expresses serious concern over Arsenal move to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has questioned Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's decision to sign Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Havertz is set to become the Gunners' first summer signing. He's joining Arteta's side in a deal worth up to £65 million and is being handed a long-term contract.
However, Bent, an Arsenal fan, isn't too enthused by the German attacker's arrival. He does have trust in Arteta and his decision-making, but Havertz's signing has puzzled him, as Bent doesn't see where Havertz fits in, tweeting:
"I trust Arteta and the vision he has for Arsenal moving forward, but I need someone to explain this Havertz situation to me and where he fits in?"
Havertz, an attacking midfielder, joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for £74 million. However, the German has adopted various different positions during his three seasons at Stamford Bridge.
The 24-year-old was used in a false nine role for much of last season but struggled. He netted just nine goals in 47 appearances across competitions in a largely disappointing spell with the west Londoners.
Arteta could look to return Havertz back into an attacking midfield role, but that will raise question marks over Martin Odegaard. The Norweigan has played as the advanced midfielder as part of a midfield three this season. He flourished with 23 goal contributions in 45 games across competitions.
Arteta may look to continue with Havertz in his false nine role. The north Londoners do boast three strikers: Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun. However, the latter two are reportedly available for sale.
It remains to be seen how Arteta fits Havertz in his Arsenal side, but his signing has drawn debate. Many, including Chelsea fans, are surprised by the fee the Gunners are willing to pay following his lackluster 2022-23 campaign.
Chelsea and Arsenal tipped to challenge for Premier League next season
Manchester United legend Dimitar Berbatov is backing Chelsea and Arsenal to be in the Premier League title race next season. The two London clubs had starkly contrasting 2022-23 campaigns.
Arteta's men challenged eventual champions Manchester City for the title. They held an eight-point lead over the Cityzens at the start of the year but eventually fell five points short.
Meanwhile, Chelsea endured a dismal season that saw them finish 12th in the league. They won't be playing Europe next season under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Nevertheles, Berbatov is backing the Blues to bounce back while he also thinks the Gunners will be in the title picture (via Metro):
"I believe it will be difficult for Manchester City next season because not only Manchester United, but the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool will be competing with them also."
The Bulgarian added:
"I know Chelsea had a difficult campaign, but they’ll be better next season under Mauricio Pochettino."
The Blues will need a complete turnaround under Pochettino to put themselves in contention for the title. They lost 16 of 38 league games last season and went through four permanent and temporary managers.