‘Kai Havertz to force Arsenal exit after Viktor Gyokeres deal’

Disappointment at Stamford Bridge forced a move to the Emirates where Mikel Arteta strived to bring the best out of the attacker.

In his first season in north London, the German scored 13 times in the league, picking up 7 assists along the way.

Yet, an injury-hit 2024-25 campaign saw the number 29 pick up nine goals in 23 appearances with his manager still figuring out his best position.

The arrival of Gyokeres from Sporting CP is a major threat to the forward as he competes to find a way into Arteta’s thinking.

Havertz not guaranteed to start

Speaking on talkSPORT (23 July), former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor touched on Havertz’s uncertain Arsenal future with the impending arrival of Gyokeres.

In particular, the ex-footballer focused on the looming question of the German’s best position, he said: “If you look at positions he [Havertz] can cover in, if [Martin] Odegaard is not at it, him and [Ethan] Nwaneri can fight for that number eight position.

“It’s going to be hard for him [Havertz] to get games. Gabriel Jesus, what’s going to happen with him? He’ll be fighting with him [Havertz] for a position.

“Does [Kai] Havertz at 26 years of age want to be a player who is not guaranteed to start for Arsenal or does he want to go somewhere else?”

Arsenal exit seems logical

With the arrivals of Gyokeres and Noni Madueke from Chelsea, the German international could find himself on the fringes at the Emirates, especially as Jesus returns from long-term injury absence.

Whilst Arsenal will be competing on many frontiers this season, realistically, the ex-Chelsea man wants to find regular minutes.

Importantly, as Agbonlahor and other pundits have eluded to, nobody knows Havertz’s best position.

At Leverkusen he came to prominence as a number 10 but at Stamford Bridge he was played up top with varying degrees of success.

Upon arrival to north London, Arteta trialled him as a number eight but later backtracked to utilise him up top as a number nine.

There has been no definitive answer to his best position which will put his future at the club in jeopardy, particularly with the reputation Gyokeres brings.

Additionally, with the form of Declan Rice and the purchase of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, it also looks unlikely the number 29 will be able to push his way into the midfield either.

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the 26-year-old must contemplate his Gunners future and consider leaving the club to find more game time.

He is not by any means lacking in ability, but perhaps he will thrive in a better system that plays to his core strengths.