Arsenal's Kai Havertz Attracts Multiple Clubs as Striker Transfer Drama Intensifies
Multiple football clubs are reportedly keeping a close eye on Kai Havertz's circumstances at Arsenal while the North London side continues their efforts to acquire a new striker.
Arsenal invested £65 million ($85 million at that time) to bring Havertz from Chelsea during the 2023 summer transfer window, with head coach Mikel Arteta initially viewing the German international as a midfield player. This tactical approach was later discarded in the latter part of the season as Havertz moved back to his familiar role as a center-forward.
Following a debut season that yielded 13 goals, Havertz netted nine times in a campaign marred by injuries this past year, and he now confronts potential competition for playing time should Arsenal successfully complete their widely reported quest for a more conventional striker. Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško feature prominently among the candidates being evaluated.
BBC Sport reports that Arsenal are preparing to offload a key first-team squad member within the coming year and emphasize the ambiguity surrounding Havertz, who still has three years left on his current deal.
Although there isn't believed to be substantial interest in the 26-year-old at present, multiple German clubs are reportedly monitoring Havertz closely as they await developments regarding how his position at Arsenal might be affected by a new striker signing.
Havertz possesses the flexibility to operate in various positions for Arsenal, though most of these roles are already occupied by some of the Gunners' finest players. Bukayo Saka remains the unquestioned first-choice right winger, while a return to central midfield appears doubtful given the expected signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
If he encounters difficulties securing regular starting opportunities, Havertz might be compelled to evaluate his options next summer, when numerous teams could be ready to capitalize on the situation.
From Arsenal's viewpoint, they would be hesitant to part with Havertz this season, especially considering Gabriel Jesus is expected to be sidelined for a significant period of the upcoming campaign due to a knee problem, but their reported intention to sell a prominent player could lead to a change in position next summer.