Kai Havertz claims he hasn't heard the whispers about him leaving Arsenal this summer. "I haven't heard about the rumors," he told Sky Germany, almost with a straight face. For a player whose every touch and misplaced pass was dissected for months after his £65 million move from Chelsea last July, that’s a tough sell. He arrived at the Emirates with immense pressure, and for a long stretch, he looked anything but a £65 million player.
Remember the early days? Havertz went 11 Premier League games without a goal contribution after joining the Gunners. His first league goal didn't come until October 28th against Burnley, a header that felt more like a relief than a breakthrough. Fans were restless. Pundits questioned Mikel Arteta's decision to splash so much cash on a player who seemed to ghost through games. He was even booed by some Arsenal supporters during a pre-season friendly against Monaco. It was a brutal initiation for the German international.
But then, something clicked. Post-Christmas, Havertz found his rhythm, particularly when deployed as a false nine. He bagged nine goals and six assists in his last 14 Premier League appearances of the 2023-24 season. That run included crucial strikes against Chelsea and Tottenham, helping Arsenal push Manchester City to the final day of the title race. He ended the season with 13 league goals and 7 assists – a respectable return given the slow start. That late-season form is exactly why any talk of an exit, even if Havertz pretends not to hear it, feels a bit premature.
Here's the thing: elite clubs are always looking to upgrade. While Havertz finished strong, his overall output, especially in the Champions League where he managed just one goal in 10 appearances, wasn't world-beating. Arsenal needs to close the gap on Manchester City, and that means every position is under scrutiny. If a substantial offer came in – say, north of £50 million – for a player who still has moments of inconsistency, it wouldn't be insane for Arsenal to consider it. They still need a prolific, out-and-out striker, and that budget isn't unlimited. Victor Osimhen's name has been floated, and he'd command a huge fee.
My hot take? Havertz's improved form last season masked the fact that Arsenal still needs a more consistent, predatory finisher up front to win the Premier League. He's a good player, but he's not the 25-goal-a-season striker they truly lack. His versatility is a bonus, but sometimes you need a specialist.
Havertz is currently with the German national team, preparing for Euro 2024. He scored in their 0-0 draw against Ukraine on June 3rd, showing he’s still got that attacking instinct. Another strong tournament could solidify his standing, both at Arsenal and in the wider European market. He’s under contract until 2028, which gives Arsenal plenty of leverage. But football moves fast. If Arsenal brings in a big-name striker this summer, Havertz's role could shift, and with it, his contentment.
I predict that despite his denials, if Arsenal receives a bid of £60 million or more for Havertz this summer, they'll seriously consider it, even if they ultimately hold onto him.