'NEARLY MAN' WILL REVEL IN ANY NUMBER OF LEAD ROLES

AT CHELSEA, Kai Havertz never really lived up to expectations after his £71million move to Stamford Bridge in 2020 — but Mikel Arteta believes he can unlock his potential at Arsenal.

- Simon Collings

The Gunners are ready to spend £65m on the Germany international and make him the second-most expensive player in their history.

That underlines the belief Arteta has in a player he feels can have a transformative effect on his team.

Arteta has taken Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to new heights, has helped Martin Odegaard fulfil his potential and now he will look to do the same with Havertz.

The 24-year-old will prove a valuable weapon for Arteta in attack, and a big attraction for Arsenal in their move for him is that he strengthens them in numerous positions.

Havertz is able to play anywhere across the front-three, while he can also operate as a No10 or No8.

At Chelsea, where he did score the winner in the 2021 Champions League Final, he was often used as a central striker, which is his least-preferred position.

A move to Arsenal will suit him, because he will become part of a fluid system.

Gabriel Jesus, for example, led the line this season, but he would regularly drift out left and allow Martinelli to come inside.