Arsenal’s Kai Havertz has admitted Harry Kane is his inspiration as the pair prepare to face each other in the Champions League tonight.
Havertz pinpointed the similarities in style with the Bayern Munich forward, citing his ability to drop deep into the midfield rather than operating as a traditional No9.
When asked by Men in Blazers Media Network to name a player he has tried to model his game on, the 27-year-old said: ‘I love Harry Kane. For me he’s one of the best strikers I’ve seen in my life.
‘He’s probably also not a proper No9, but still the numbers he produces and also assists, and how he links up and helps the team when they’re deep or something is amazing – so he is definitely someone that I look up to,’ said Havertz.
Kane scored 280 goals for Arsenal’s rivals Spurs and has 155 in 157 games for Bayern since his move to Germany in 2023.
But Havertz will be hoping Kane is off his game tonight as Arsenal travel to Germany to take on Bayern in the Champions League group stage. The Gunners will be looking to repeat the 3-1 victory they secured last season against Bayern.
Havertz, meanwhile, opened up on his friendship with fellow Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres as the pair continue their battle to be Mikel Arteta’s main striker.
Gyokeres signed for £67million in summer 2025 but has failed to nail down his starting role.
Kai Havertz admits he takes his inspiration from Harry Kane as a striker who also drops deep
Havertz has got the nod in eight of Arsenal’s 11 games so far this season and scored three times, while Gyokeres has been forced to settle for a bench role – starting only against Napoli, Lille and Ipswich – and is yet to get off the mark.
But despite their rivalry within the club, Havertz says their relationship is strong.
‘We connected well from day one and no-one is angry if someone else plays. I know Viktor, he wants to play every game like I do but when the referee blows the whistle or when the training session is finished we put that aside and be team-mates and achieve things together and that’s what we do. He is a top guy and a top striker.’
The pair are also padel partners and when asked who has the edge on court, Havertz added: ‘If you asked him he would say him for sure… I think he has more power but I have the better technique!’
