Now over to Arsenal fans. What seems to be the general feeling amongst the rejuvenated North London side? Well, if twitter is anything to go by, (and it rarely is when you’re looking for a reasonably measured response) then there seems to be a cautious but strong trust that Arteta knows what’s best. He was most likely not on the top of many Gunners fans wishlist when the season ended, and the fee seems high for a player who hasn’t quite reached the level that he was expected to hit when he left Bayer Leverkusen. But at only 24 years of age, time is on his side, and if Arteta can get the best out of him then Arsenal will be benefiting him in his best years. But where does he fit in? Is he a player that will be filling in the gaps? We’ve seen him play anywhere across the front 3 as well as in the no.10 role, and he was heralded as the successor to Ballack during his early years in the bundesliga, but the fee is large for a utility player. So surely Arteta sees his versatility as an added bonus as opposed to his sole reason for purchase. For both Chelsea and Germany, he seems to be taking the no.9 role as the sole man up top, but it was interesting to hear Arteta when speaking on the Havertz transfer saying ‘He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play’. So is he the actual replacement for the impending departure of Granit Xhaka? All eyes seem to be on Declan Rice taking up the left sided no.8 role, but perhaps Havertz is the real successor to the cult hero, with Rice taking up an alternative role. The role itself was one that Xhaka himself didn’t think he would suit, yet the manager knew best and saw this Swiss international get a return of 7 goals in the league this season, a high total for a player not known for his prowess in front of goal. This role would allow Havertz to still create and get on the end of chances like he enjoys, but it would also allow him to showcase his impressive ball carrying ability as well as impose his physical presence on the team. Pace and power, blended with strong technical ability. It was often the analysis when talking about the invincibles and slowly but surely it is also a descriptor than can be levelled at this team. 6 of Arteta’s signings who are still with the side, are over 6ft, a number that should jump up to 7 if and when Rice joins, but just as importantly, they all possess great ability on the ball under pressure and in tight spaces. At 6ft2 Havertz fits the description perfectly and will offer a strong work rate alongside the more technical aspect of his game.

Wherever he ends up playing in this Arsenal side, it will most certainly be interesting to see. Arsenal fans have found themselves to fortunately be wrong about signings in the past such as the indifferent response to Ramsdale when he signed. Which is why in previous times, Havertz may have been met with a lot more apprehension, however there is a belief that it is Arteta who knows best even when the fans may be unsure. Ultimately they may even see the transfer as worth the risk, as having an all firing Havertz will be seen as getting one over on their London rivals. All eyes on Kai.