“He said there is logic behind that" - Journalist says Mikel Arteta might use Arsenal star Kai Havertz in new position against Wolves
Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could use Kai Havertz as a midfielder against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Gunners kick off their league campaign against Wolves on Saturday, August 17, at the Emirates Stadium.
Havertz joined the north London club from Chelsea in 2023 and enjoyed a fruitful first season at the club. He scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 51 appearances. The German forward was often used as the striker due to Gabriel Jesus' misfiring form and injury concerns.
The 25-year-old repaid Arteta's trust by making important goal contributions throughout the season. Jones, though, reckons that Arteta could shift Havertz back to a midfield eight, especially for the Wolves game, with Jesus starting as the striker. He said on the Chasing Green Arrows show (via The Boot Room):
"I have heard it's plausible. I have heard it. The guy mentioned Wolves as a game specifically to me. He said there's logic behind that and it wouldn't be a massive surprise if Havertz was playing as an eight and Jesus was playing as a nine."
Arsenal lack a striker who can score more than 20 goals a season. While Jesus is crucial to the team's build-up play, he isn't a prolific goalscorer. The Brazilian striker scored only eight goals in 36 appearances across competitions last season.
The Gunners were linked with a move for Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker, though, reportedly prefers Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the north Londoners haven't signed an attacker this summer.
Joleon Lescott claims Mikel Arteta's Kai Havertz plan at Arsenal didn't materialize
Kai Havertz got off to a slow start at Arsenal last season and received criticism for his performances. He eventually ended the season on a high note with 21 goal contributions to his name.
Lescott claimed the criticisms were undue but reckons Arteta had a different plan for Havertz, which didn't materialize. He praised Havertz for his ability to adjust and even compared his style to Dimitar Berbatov's. The former Manchester City defender SunSport:
"I think Arteta had a different plan for him at the start. It didn't go to plan. And then he and the player, Kai Havertz, was able to adjust."
Havertz has shown he can play as a false nine and can also lead the attack if needed. Hence, having a versatile attacker in his ranks amplifies Arteta's options.