Mikel Arteta Hints at Kai Havertz’s Role as Arsenal’s Number Nine
As Arsenal gear up for the new Premier League season, Mikel Arteta faces questions about whether Kai Havertz will be the team’s primary striker.
With last season’s narrow miss in the title race against Manchester City, the pressure is on for Arsenal to strengthen their squad and bridge the gap to their rivals.
Arteta’s Comments on Havertz
In a recent interview with ESPN, Mikel Arteta addressed speculation about Havertz’s role in the team. While Arteta praised Havertz’s versatility, he did not commit to naming him as the starting striker, keeping his options open for the upcoming season.
Arteta’s Remarks
- Versatility of Havertz: Arteta highlighted Havertz’s ability to play both as an attacking midfielder and as a number nine, noting that he finished last season strongly in the latter role. He said, “He has played mainly in two positions, as an attacking midfielder and as a nine, and yeah, he ended the season really strongly in that position.”
- Squad Flexibility: Arteta emphasized the benefits of having players who can operate in multiple positions, stating, “He offers a lot of versatility and we have players up front that can play in different positions, and that’s great. That brings more competition, more options, and hopefully more goals and a better team.”
Arsenal’s Striker Situation
Current Options
- Kai Havertz: While Havertz has shown promise as a forward, his performance as a number nine has been inconsistent. Arteta may see him as a flexible option rather than a traditional center-forward.
- Gabriel Jesus: Despite his injury setbacks, Gabriel Jesus remains a key figure in Arsenal’s attack. His ability to play both as a striker and a winger provides additional flexibility.
- Eddie Nketiah: The young striker has potential but has yet to fully establish himself as a first-choice option for Arsenal in the Premier League.
Need for a Specialist Striker
Many analysts and fans believe Arsenal need a dedicated goal-scorer to challenge Manchester City effectively. A specialist striker could provide the cutting edge needed in crucial matches.
Potential Targets
- Viktor Gyökeres: Arsenal have been linked with the Swedish striker, who impressed at Sporting Lisbon last year. Gyökeres scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists, catching the attention of clubs across Europe.
- Price Tag: Sporting Lisbon reportedly values Gyökeres at £86 million. Meeting this price could significantly bolster Arsenal’s attacking options and strengthen their title challenge.
Mikel Arteta Hints at Kai Havertz’s Role as Arsenal’s Number Nine
