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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Arsenal: Kai Havertz transfer was a 'mistake' and summer signing is 'in trouble', says William Gallas

Arsenal made a "mistake" signing Kai Havertz, says William Gallas after the former Chelsea forward's struggles so far this season.

Eyebrows were raised when the Gunners splashed £65million on Havertz after an underwhelming spell across the capital at Stamford Bridge, but Mikel Arteta was determined to revamp his midfield after last season's remarkable title race collapse. He soon added Declan Rice and the Gunners sit joint-top of the league.

Havertz has struggled to improve his form in north London, though did score his sole goal so far from the penalty spot after captain Martin Odegaard afforded him the chance.

Gallas, who played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham during his career, says Havertz has a long way to go before he starts to repay the fee Arteta forked out.

"I’m not impressed with Kai Havertz so far," the former Arsenal skipper told Lord Ping. "He’s done nothing since he joined Arsenal. He may have scored, but that was only because Martin Odegaard let him take a penalty!

"Havertz hasn’t done anything yet, and I think he’s in trouble.

"I don’t think Arsenal should have signed Kai Havertz. I think that was a mistake. If you spent £60million on a striker, you expect them to score at least 15 goals in a season! I don’t think that’ll happen.

"Arsenal don’t have time! The season may be long, but clubs need results straight away. Havertz was at Chelsea for three years and knows the Premier League well. It may take a while to settle into a new team, but he already lived in London! Players need to adapt immediately – they don’t have time."

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