Kai Havertz Next Club Odds: Betting suspended as German nears Arsenal move

Betting has now been suspended on Kai Havertz's next club, with the Germany international close to completing a move to Arsenal.

Havertz arrived as part of the influx of players after Chelsea’s transfer ban was lifted with the likes of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, but he'll ultimately go down as another underwhelming signing should he leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

On the back of 29 goals in two seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz was one of Europe’s hottest properties when making the move to the Premier League, but failed to nail down a starting place in his first season.

His second season was a similar story, starting as a number 10 behind Romelu Lukaku, eventually sharing game time as a centre forward with the Belgian.

While he was more dependable last season, he still spent time in various positions as Chelsea laboured to an appalling 12th-place finish.

He was one of Chelsea’s few shining lights, but the feeling is that the young German has far more to offer, be it at Stamford Bridge or elsewhere.

He’s also a fairly unusual player in the modern game; part of the reason he’s yet to fulfil expectations is partly down to the fact he’s played under Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Lampard again in a short space of time, unable to adapt to one coach’s demands.

But another is his versatility, acting at times as a blessing and a curse, in that he’s never made one position his own.

While he can operate as a number 10 or out wide, he’s most often utilised as a centre forward, but is perhaps more impactful as a false 9; a relatively niche role.

The fact that the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have all reportedly shown an interest in the 24-year-old suggests he’s certainly got the ability to play for a top side, and the time may be for Chelsea to cash in.

The pressing question is the role Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has in mind for Havertz at the Emirates.

Is he backup for Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and the wide men should it be needed? Is he a potential replacement for Odegaard should the Norwegian leave? It's hard to see Havertz signing off on the move unless he knows he's getting regular football, particularly ahead of Euro 2024 next year.

In any case, reports suggested the Gunners were unwilling to meet Chelsea's £75m asking price, and with Chelsea sorely in need of outgoings - partly to bring in new players and partly to avoid breaching FFP regulations - it's the Blues who might need to blink first.

Liam Williams

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