Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told that he's signed the next Robin van Persie

08 August 2023 , 19:11

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told that he's signed the next Robin van Persie

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna reckons that Kai Havertz can prove to be the next Robin van Persie.

Havertz, 24, joined the Gunners from London rivals Chelsea last month in a £65million deal following three mixed seasons at Stamford Bridge which saw flashes of his potential. The German forward has been criticised for a lack of goals and assists so far in his Premier League career, having been used in a variety of different positions under multiple managers.

But following what manager Mikel Arteta described as a "superb" display against Manchester City during Sunday's Community Shield victory, Sagna has expressed confidence in Havertz and compared him to Van Persie. Speaking to Paddy Power, the ex-Arsenal right-back declared: "Kai Havertz played well in the number nine especially against big defenders. I was expecting him to suffer physically, but he’s a clever player.

"He's like Robin van Persie in the way he uses his body, he can cross and he's technically very good. He could have scored but he created lots of chances, which is a positive."

Despite Sagna's positive verdict, the Frenchman is adamant that Arsenal still need to bring in another forward, even though Gunners boss Arteta - his old team-mate - already has strikers Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to call on. Arteta has notably indicated that Havertz will be used as a No.8 in midfield once Jesus returns to full fitness.

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"Arsenal still need a proper number nine," Sagna affirmed. "If Arsenal can get another striker in, it would be a great strength. Their injuries towards the end of last season really hurt them whereas Manchester City had an amazing bench and could replace any player easily.

Kai Havertz swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in July for a cool £65million (Visionhaus/Getty Images)

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"Arsenal suffered when William Saliba was injured last season, and Gabriel Jesus missed quite a few games too and he could have made the difference last season, we don't know. Arsenal need a big squad if they want to be Champions this season and their lack of freshness towards the end of last season really hurt them.

"They couldn't replace Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka when they were tired. Leandro Trossard came in and was brilliant, but Arsenal still need more players like him so they can give their squad a rest."

Speaking after winning the Community Shield at Wembley on penalties, Arteta heaped praise on Havertz. "He was superb," the Arsenal manager hailed.

"The way he pressed and how intelligent he is to try and understand certain spaces and the timing of it, he was great and got in great positions to score. He was unlucky not to score but he was very physical when he needed to be, so I was very pleased with him."

Nathan Ridley