Arteta told Havertz "hasn't worked" for Arsenal and urged to sign replacement
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been told that summer signing Kai Havertz "hasn't worked" by ex-Gunner Jermaine Pennant, who has identified who the club should have signed instead.
Havertz's £65million move to the Emirates came as surprise to fans of both Arsenal and his former club Chelsea. Hopes were high among the Gunners faithful that the Germany international could produce an improvement on his performances at Stamford Bridge, but three months into the season there has been no such luck.
The 24-year-old has just one goal and one assist to his name in 18 Arsenal appearances across all competitions. As a result, Havertz is under increasing scrutiny to kickstart his Gunners career and avoid 'flop' status at a second, successive London club.
However, in the eyes of some, Havertz's race is already run. Pennant feels that the ex-Blues forward has not justified his price tag at Arsenal and questioned what it is he actually contributes to Arteta's plans.
Speaking to King Casino Bonus, the former Arsenal and Liverpool ace claimed: ''I need to talk about Kai Havertz before I answer that. That signing hasn't worked.
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"I thought I'd give him some time to settle in, but that period is over now. I think he's been a poor signing. I don't understand what he brings to the team as he's not scoring or assisting. It's bizarre as Arteta seems to believe in him."
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Kai Havertz has struggled during his time at Arsenal so far (Getty Images)Pennant went on to explain who he feels Arteta should target as a potential replacement in the unlikely event that the Gunners try to cash in on Havertz. "I think Arsenal should have gone for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz," he added.
"His footballing IQ is off the charts! He's not a speed-merchant, but he's clever on the ball and he seems to always pick the right pass. His assists are great, he has an eye for goal, and I think he'd be a fantastic addition to Arsenal. He'd fit in perfectly there."
Arteta has publicly explained how he aims to get the best of Havertz, adding: "By trying to help him as much as possible. Be next to him, give him the tools, confidence and minutes to exploit his talent.
"There are so many parts to his game that he is doing exceptionally well and we know he has to keep improving. As with any player, give him support, you see a player that does what he does every single day and applies himself. If they don’t perform, it’s up to us."
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