Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has claimed that Arsenal made a mistake by signing Kai Havertz this past summer.
In an interview with ESPN FC, Frank Leboeuf had his say on Arsenal’s decision to sign Kai Havertz in the summer transfer window. The North London club forked out £65 million to secure his services. But the former Chelsea defender has suggested that Arsenal made a mistake by signing him from his former club.
Leboeuf said, “Where could Havertz be most effective for Arsenal? Maybe right now on the bench to not disturb the others is what I would say. That’s why I am laughing at it. It’s hard to say. We talked about this in pre-season, his positioning will affect the other midfielders because they are unbalanced because of him and Odegaard playing in the same line.”
“Arsenal were so strong last season because Odegaard was on his own trying to create and the others were working for him. Maybe on the left, but when you have Trossard and Martinelli I don’t see any room for him. For me, from Arteta it was a real mistake to hire Havertz, because I don’t see any good position for him.”
Kai Havertz was a highly sought-after entity during his days in his homeland. One of the best young players in the world during his stint with Bayer Leverkusen, he was a pivotal figure for Die Werkself. But the German international has failed to make his mark since arriving in England three years ago.
The 24-year-old joined the West London club in a deal worth around £72 million. But the decision did not pay off, with the player failing to justify the enormous price tag. While Havertz was Chelsea’s top scorer during his time at Stamford Bridge, he was uninspiring with his performances.
So, it was surprising when Arsenal decided to splash the cash on him in the summer transfer window. The Gunners forked out a whopping £65 million, beating Real Madrid to Havertz’s signature this past summer. But the move has not paid off yet, with the player struggling to make his mark.
Havertz only managed his first goal for Arsenal this weekend, finding the back of the net from the penalty spot against Bournemouth on Saturday. But a tally of one goal in ten appearances is underwhelming, although he has reprised several roles for Arsenal. Nonetheless, the price tag of £65 million carries a burden he needs to shed as soon as possible. Otherwise, Leboeuf’s comments of him being a mistake will carry weight.
