19 October 2023 , 17:02
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William Gallas has taken aim at Kai Havertz, warning Mikel Arteta the £65million new boy needs to shape up fast - or face life on the bench.
Arsenal splashed out to sign the Germany international in the summer in a surprise move from Chelsea, following three years at Stamford Bridge. Havertz had largely flattered to deceive in west London, despite his winner in the 2021 Champions League final, and was often used as the focal point of the Blues' attack.
Gunners boss Arteta has been keen to reinvent Havertz in the centre of his midfield, operating in the spot vacated by Granit Xhaka after his summer switch to Havertz's old club, Bayer Leverkusen. However, he has struggled to impress in that deeper position, and his best displays at the Emirates have actually come from a position further forwards.
Yet, the 24-year-old has only scored once thus far - a penalty in the comfortable win at Bournemouth - and Gallas has been left distinctly unimpressed with his contribution to Arsenal's title push.
"I’m not impressed with Kai Havertz so far,’ the former Arsenal skipper said. "He’s done nothing since he joined Arsenal. He may have scored, but that was only because Martin Odegaard let him take a penalty!
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"Havertz hasn’t done anything yet, and I think he’s in trouble.
"I don’t think Arsenal should have signed Kai Havertz. I think that was a mistake. If you spent £60million on a striker, you expect them to score at least 15 goals in a season! I don’t think that’ll happen.
"Arsenal don’t have time! The season may be long, but clubs need results straight away. Havertz was at Chelsea for three years and knows the Premier League well. It may take a while to settle into a new team, but he already lived in London! Players need to adapt immediately – they don’t have time."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Gallas' assessment of Havertz's Arsenal stay so far fair? Comment below