In Focus: Havertz can be a sharp shooter in Gunners' midfield

Kai Havertz has the opportunity to reinvent himself at Arsenal.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star has proved himself to be a versatile attacker, with the ability to be a top talent. 

Yet his time at Chelsea was ultimately a disappointment and there is a feeling that the 24-year-old is still to find his best position. 

Ahead of his first season at the Emirates, we take a look at how the Gunners may use Havertz and what he can bring to the team. 

Chelsea struggles

Havertz mainly operated as a striker during his time at Chelsea but was also utilised as an attacking midfielder and right winger. 

Signed in a reported £71million deal, it looked like a wise investment when his first season concluded with him scoring the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final. 

The German also delivered the decisive blow in the 2021 Club World Cup final when he converted a penalty to secure a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras. 

Yet as memorable as those moments were, Havertz's time at Stamford Bridge will ultimately be considered a failure. 

During three seasons with the Blues, he played under three different permanent managers and various caretakers during a turbulent period that saw huge highs and many lows. 

The West Londoners continually changed formation as coaches looked to hit on a winning solution — and the versatility of Havertz meant that he could always fit into the team. 

Robbed of continuity, a player that arrived in the English capital aged just 21 did not make the strides that were expected of him. 

Leverkusen role

With Chelsea lacking a recognised striker last season it was generally Havertz that led the attack. 

At 6ft 4in, he may look the part in this role but his reputation was borne from his ability to make runs from deep rather than waiting around in the box. 

Though Havertz had been used as a striker during his time at Leverkusen, he was mainly deployed as an attacking midfielder. 

His former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel once described him as a hybrid player that was a cross between a centre forward and a No10. 

The current Bayern Munich boss said: "He's very comfortable in the box. He's very comfortable in high positions. 

"He's very good at offensive headers, he has good timing to arrive in the box, good finishing, good composure in the box, around the box." 

While all of this is true, the evidence suggests Havertz is a far more effective player when he moves into offensive positions from midfield, rather than playing with his back to goal. 

New position

The versatility of Havertz will be useful to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta but he is likely to be given a permanent role that best suits his skillset. 

With Granit Xhaka set to leave, there will be a vacancy on the left of the midfield three ready to be filled by the 37-cap international. 

Left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko pushes up into a central midfield position, which will allow Havertz the opportunity to get forward. 

His ability to make probing runs — combined with an under-appreciated ability on the ball, calm finishing and his height — should make him difficult for defenders to deal with next season.