What Position Will Kai Havertz Play For Arsenal?

What position will Kai Havertz play for Arsenal? Havertz was a striker for Chelsea but he is expected to replace Granit Xhaka in midfield for the Gunners.

Kai Havertz spent most of the 2022/23 season playing as a central striker for Chelsea.

The versatile 24-year-old has also played as a no.10, as well as on both wings, during his time at Stamford Bridge.

But his imminent transfer to Arsenal looks set to provide Havertz with a fresh start in a much deeper position.

Havertz is not being signed by the Gunners to play as a striker.

Mikel Arteta is more than happy with Gabriel Jesus as his no.9, while Eddie Nketiah or Folarin Balogun will likely play the role of understudy to the Brazilian.

Arsenal's squad is also well stocked with wide attacking options, such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Where the Gunners look short is in central midfield, with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey both expected to leave this summer.

Captain Martin Odegaard is one guaranteed starter, generally playing on the right side of Arsenal's three-man midfield.

Arsenal desperately want Declan Rice to sign from West Ham to anchor their midfield, although Jorginho is another option to play that role.

That leaves the left-central position as Havertz's most likely base at the Emirates Stadium.

Kai Havertz is expected to play in midfield for Arsenal next season :: IMAGO/PA Images/John Walton

It is not a position that is alien to the German international - who often played there for former club Bayer Leverkusen - although he has only lined up in central midfield for Chelsea in 7% of his Premier League starts.

Havertz arrived at Stamford Bridge as a midfielder but was later transformed into a striker, largely due to a lack of other suitable alternatives at the club.

He has started 63% of his EPL matches for Chelsea as the team's lead frontman.

But a return to the center of the field could suit Havertz, who has previously suggested that this is where he feels most comfortable.

Speaking to The Athletic in 2021, he said: "More or less, I'm a midfield player but I like to go into the box, and maybe that's why not every defensive player has me on their mind — I just run through the midfield and then I'm there."

Xhaka scored nine goals for Arsenal last season playing in the position that Havertz is expected to inherit.

READ MORE: Arsenal Agree Deal To Make Kai Havertz Second Most Expensive Signing In Club's History

Havertz is seen as a likely replacement for Granit Xhaka :: IMAGO/Xinhua