Arsene Wenger shared his love for Germany attacker Kai Havertz and praised his perseverance since joining the Premier League.
The 25-year-old is one of the rising stars in Mikel Arteta’s side. Scored 13 goals and provided seven assists as a forward last season. He has made two contributions in two games in the new 2024/25 PL campaign.
HAVERTZ RISING FROM THE DUNGEONS
There is no looking back for a player who was once fighting for game time during his tough period with Chelsea. The former Bayer Leverkusen ace signed for the Blues in 2020.
But the versatile ace couldn’t click under Antonio Conte and struggled to adapt. The West London club roped in manager Thomas Tuchel to bring the best out of their talented youngsters.
He shined under the new boss and his UCL-winning goal in the finals against Manchester City will forever be etched in the club’s history. Arsenal knew that the player was not made to sit on the bench.
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His abilities aren’t being used to the maximum extent. The Gunners started conversations with Havertz with Arteta being at the heart of this deal.
The Spaniard assured the attacker that he will get a special place in the squad and can play in any position. The manager gave him his word that the team could use him as a midfielder or a false nine.
Since then, the man of big moments has shined at the Emirates.
The rejuvenated star’s performances for the national team have improved considerably. He is a starter for both club and country.
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ARSENE WENGER BELIEVES HAVERTZ IS THE FUTURE OF ARSENAL
Former legendary manager Wenger did similar stuff when he tried to lure Thierry Henry from Juventus in 1999.
It was said that the manager told the French ace that he would be a powerful player at the Emirates while they boarded the flight from Paris. Although the great striker was out of form initially, he scored the highest number of goals for the North London side (228 goals).
Wenger found a common point between both deals. The player’s ability to thrive in multiple conditions and still come out on top. The legend hailed Havertz saying that the club can count on him for the future.
Wenger said:
“He adjusted, adapted, he came back, he suffered, he spent his period on the bench & came back again. To me, he is a very promising player. I would bet on him for the future.”
⏪ 🗣️ Arsene Wenger on Kai Havertz in 2021:
🎙️ “He adjusted, adapted, he came back, he suffered, he spent his period on the bench & came back again.
“To me, he is a VERY promising player. I would bet on him for the future.” ✅ #afc pic.twitter.com/BbxXKgwaVx
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) August 27, 2024
An unknown fact to many – Wenger tried to sign Havertz and made up to 25 attempts to sign him when he was a youngster at Leverkusen, as per journalist David Ornstein.
The manager pitched his ideas to the club and after years they started planning a move but were priced out. The German was in fine form and that increased his asking price. Arsenal weren’t ready to battle with the Blues back then.
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Three years down the line, we are the ones who have brought the best out of the talisman. Havertz is a squad player, not someone who craves attention.
He is a future leader and the fans should be proud of having him at Arsenal.
