Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted Kai Havertz could change positions over the course of next season.
The £65m signing from Chelsea has been signed as a replacement for Granit Xhaka as a left-sided No.8 and has operated there during his first two non-competitive appearances for the Gunners.
Havertz largely filled that role in his academy days at Bayer Leverkusen but has played as either a No.10 or as a central striker during most of his professional career.
The 24-year-old scored from central midfield as Arsenal romped to a 5-0 win over MLS All-Stars XI in Washington, DC on Wednesday night but Arteta has hinted his role may change going forward.
Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah currently battle it out to be Arsenal’s first-choice striker, although Leandro Trossard can also operate there.
“He gives us something very different with his quality and size as well, when you have to beat the press for example and use him as a target man,” he said.
“So, we will see – for now, he’s playing in the attacking midfield position, but I’m sure throughout the season and throughout games as well, we’re going to have the options to play him in different positions.
While Havertz did not always prove convincing playing as a forward for Chelsea, the German international did score the winning goal for the Blues in a Champions League final.
