‘We have options’ – Arteta hints at Arsenal new boy’s changing role as he offers ‘very different’ skills | OneFootball

Kai Havertz, Jorginho celebrate pre-season goal for Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed the versatile nature of new signing Kai Havertz, suggesting his side will “have options to play him in different positions”.

Havertz has played the last few years of his career as a striker. Indeed, Chelsea deployed him as the leader of the attack for the majority of his three seasons there.

That saw him score 32 goals and provide 15 assists in 139 games. While seemingly under par for a side’s main striker, he did score the winner in the 2020/21 Champions League final.

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Upon signing for Arsenal this summer, it was suggested Arteta wanted to use Havertz in a deeper role, in the midfield rather than up top. He came on off the bench in his second Gunners appearance, against MLS All-Stars, playing as an attacking-midfielder.

He scored the last of his side’s five goals from that position, having played well after coming on. Arteta has hailed the versatility of his £65million signing after that performance.

“I think, again, it’s one of the main qualities he has,” Arteta said, quoted by Metro.

The manager continued to suggest that while he played in the midfield last game, his qualities mean that he could and possibly will be asked to perform in a range of positions.

“He gives us something very different with his quality and size as well, when you have to beat the press for example and use him as a target man,” Arteta added.

“So, we will see – for now, he’s playing in the attacking midfield position, but I’m sure throughout the season and throughout games as well, we’re going to have the options to play him in different positions.”

It’s an indictment of the quality and depth the Gunners have in their squad that Havertz will be able to be moved around depending on what’s needed of him.

Indeed, it would seem Gabriel Jesus is the top of the pecking order to lead the line, with Eddie Nketiah also a very useful option in reserve. However, Havertz is taller and has other skills that mean he could be utilised differently to how they could.

Similarly to in a midfield role, where the German could add something other members of the squad can’t. They’ll hope that offers them success no matter where he’s utilised.