How would Chelsea’s Kai Havertz fit in at Arsenal?

However, due to Chelsea’s financial fair play situation, Kai Havertz appears to be someone the Gunners have considerable interest in, according to David Ornstein at The Athletic.

Havertz has had a troubled time at Chelsea, struggling to adapt to the constant change of personnel, managers and system around him, opening the door for his exit. Arsenal have reportedly submitted an opening proposal with the player keen on the move.

Havertz has never really cemented himself in one position, and that would likely continue under Mikel Arteta, but his versatility could provide the Gunners with a different weapon, either as a striker, on the wing, or in a similar role to Martin Odegaard.

The German international would bring excellent ball progression, alongside physicality, which may be missed with the departure of Granit Xhaka. These attributes make a lot of sense for Arsenal, while giving Arteta extra flexibility between and during games.

Question marks remain over his consistency in the Premier League, as well as his finishing, but a rotational forward option would be a nice luxury and if Havertz is available and other business is completed, he represents an interesting addition to the squad.

A large question for Arteta to answer this summer revolved around the backup striker position with Eddie Nketiah and loan returnee Folarin Balogun both jostling for that spot, although Havertz may take some of those minutes should he join.

Nketiah performed admirably during Jesus’ injury spell last season and is a ready-made option. Balogun, on the other hand, scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season in his first full season in professional football, with significant potential upside that has yet to be explored.

Given Arsenal’s current position in their development, and the potential arrival of Havertz, opportunities for Balogun to continue his progression will be limited whereas Nketiah has already carved out a reasonable role.

If a big bid comes in for Balogun, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him move on, with Havertz coming in and Reiss Nelson signing a new deal to bolster the forward line.