Kai Havertz, Arsenal's £65m mistake

Stuart Telford

• 5 Nov 2023 12:04 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal's £65 million outlay on Kai Havertz has been described as a 'mistake' and could have been put towards signing a striker like Ivan Toney - a position the squad was in greater need of.

Havertz joined the Gunners from Chelsea in July but after impressing in pre-season has only mustered one goal and one assist from 16 competitive games in all competitions since.

The German was lucky not to be sent off for a dangerous tackle on Dan Burn as Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle on Saturday, and has come in for vehement criticism since.

READ: How Arsenal ACTUALLY spent €160m on Kai Havertz

"The £65m [Arsenal] spent on Kai Havertz, a player they didn’t need (as they have Emile Smith Rowe), could have been put to the £100m Brentford will want for Ivan Toney, a finisher [they do] need," tweeted Times Sport's Chief Football Writer Henry Winter.

Controversial game

There was more controversy in the game, with the ball seemingly going out of play before Joe Willock crossed for Joelinton, who may or may not have fouled Gabriel before heading down for Anthony Gordon to score the only goal of the game.

But perhaps just as worrying as the result, and how it came about, will have been Havertz's impact, or lack thereof, in that game and indeed across this season.

READ: Arsenal star Arteta thought could be 'top in Europe' ready to leave

Smith Rowe, like Havertz, is a left-footed attacking midfielder, but unlike the German he has previously proved to be prolific, contributing 10 goals and two assists to Arsenal's Premier League cause two short seasons ago.

He has now been tipped to leave with first-team opportunities at a premium, with Arsenal also looking to raise funds for a No.9 such as Brentford man Toney or Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

Toney is currently banned until January 2024 after being found guilty of gambling offences, but a clamour for his signature remains, with Arsenal set to face competition from Chelsea among other Premier League rivals.