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Mikel Arteta has hinted that Arsenal don’t need to sign a new striker next year as he believes Kai Havertz is capable of becoming a 25 goal-a-season forward.
The Germany international has usurped Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal’s preferred centre forward during the early weeks of the 2026-27 campaign and he has netted three goals in nine appearances across all competitions so far this term.
Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez over the summer and he remains on their transfer radar, alongside Bournemouth attacker Eli Junior Kroupi, who caught the eye during his debut campaign in the Premier League last year.
However, Arteta has hinted that Arsenal don’t need to sign a new number nine next summer, with Havertz capable of stepping up.
The 27-year-old’s tally of 13 goals in the 2023-24 season remains the highest of his Premier League career to date, but Arteta believes the ex-Chelsea man is more than capable of leading the line for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Kai Havertz
When asked if Havertz can become a 25 goal-a-season striker, Arteta told reporters: “He has that ability. That is why he is playing there as well, and that is why we signed him. I think he has it, and he needs that volume of games and actions. If you give him that, I am a big believer that yes, he can do it.
“He’s so competitive, Kai. For example, after the game with Lille, he came in and he’d made a massive impact and you could see straight away what he did on the pitch.
“But he left the pitch so upset because he did not score a goal. He was happy to help the team but so upset. That is the character we want: a player who wants to evolve and improve every single day.
“He loves the game, he loves to run, he loves to feel important and loves to feel he can help other players as well. He is a giver and that’s why.
“From a very difficult season, he was out for a long period of time and to get back at the highest level is not easy and it can take time. But Kai has done it almost immediately from pre-season and I’m not surprised because his mentality is top.”
Havertz remains a divisive figure in the wider football world, but that opinion isn’t shared by those employed at Arsenal.
“I don’t know what people think, but if you ask anyone in that building, ‘what do you think of Kai?’ The first thing that will be said is something positive, for sure. I don’t have that impression and certainly I value him a lot,” Arteta added.
“His football IQ is something else. He understands everything at such speed and he can break down information better probably than anyone else on the team. That’s something that’s not easy to say especially when we talk about a striker.”
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