Arsenal’s high-profile acquisition, Kai Havertz, has addressed concerns about his performance since transferring from Chelsea to the north London club. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday while on international duty in Wolfsburg, Germany, Havertz conveyed his calm and composed outlook on the “bumpy” start to his Arsenal career.
The 24-year-old forward, flanked by microphones and a room full of eager reporters ahead of Germany’s friendly match against Japan this Saturday, spoke candidly about the challenges of adapting to his new surroundings.
“I think so far in my career, I’ve had phases here and there where things were a little bumpy — and of course, I know that you (media) after four matchdays will just point out the negatives, and a lot of bad stuff will be written,” Havertz acknowledged. “It’s not the first time I’ve come to a new club, and so I know that it can take a bit longer, and so I am relaxed about it.”
Havertz’s start at Arsenal has not been without scrutiny, as he has yet to register a goal or an assist in his first four Premier League appearances. This performance has prompted criticism, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stepping in to defend his marquee signing.
Following Havertz’s early substitution in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Fulham in late August, Arteta recognized Havertz’s contributions but admitted that the final touch had been elusive. “In a lot of situations, he should have scored a lot of goals already this season. That’s the thing that is missing there,” said Arteta.
Despite the scrutiny and heightened expectations, Arsenal, who finished as Premier League runners-up to Manchester City last season, have made a strong start to the current campaign, securing three wins and a draw.
Havertz expressed his relaxed attitude, saying, “It’s only my second month there, so that’s why I’m relatively relaxed.”
The German forward, who made headlines with his match-winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City, made the high-profile move to Arsenal during the summer transfer window for a reported fee of 75 million euros ($80 million).
As Arsenal supporters await Havertz’s full integration into the team and his rediscovery of his scoring touch, the talented forward remains unfazed by the early challenges of his Arsenal adventure.
