Although Havertz eventually enjoyed an excellent debut season at the Emirates, it wasn’t always easy for the German, who will soon represent his country at Euro 2024.
Understandably, Chelsea fans weren’t too pleased with their former number no.29 when he decided to make the switch to Arsenal – even if many felt it was a good deal for the selling club.
Moving from rival to rival is never going to be a straightforward passage, but with the faith of Mikel Arteta, Havertz seemingly decided he could handle it.
And having eventually come good from his early season troubles, finding his feet as a false nine after the festive period, Havertz thrived, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists across all competitions.
Now away with Germany as they prepare to host the Euros, Havertz has spoken to local outlet Welt, deciding to open up on the emotions of the move.
Kai Havertz says he knew that neither Chelsea or Arsenal fans were happy with him
Havertz initially spoke about needing time to settle at Chelsea when he originally moved to the club from Bayer Leverkusen.
And then opened up on last summer’s move, outlining how important Arteta’s and his teammates’ support was.
Havertz shared: “As I said, it wasn’t easy at Arsenal either at the beginning.
“The Chelsea fans were angry that I left, and the Arsenal fans weren’t that enthusiastic either because things didn’t go so well at the beginning.
“Then you get strength when the coach, your teammates and the people close to you stand by you and support you.
“Trust is a big word – I’m cautious about that, I don’t find it easy to trust people.
“I feel like I have one friend outside of football, but otherwise there aren’t many people I let close to me.
“But I can distinguish quite well between the people who are serious about me and those who only want something from me when things are going well.”
Benjamin Sesko won’t be signed to replace Kai Havertz
Of course, having now come through that difficult period, Arsenal fans will be extremely excited to see what Havertz can do across a full season in 2024/25.
There are bound to be tough periods again – experienced by all footballers, but perhaps the arrival of a new striker could actually help.
And although Sesko has a blossoming reputation around Europe, he does still need to develop his game significantly – something he should be well placed to do at Arsenal.
But this type of ‘project’ signing, which shouldn’t suggest that Sesko isn’t ready to contribute immediately too, outlines how much faith Arsenal have in Havertz.
Arteta doesn’t want to sign a new starting number nine.
Arsenal have committed to Havertz as their star man, even if some fans may then be wondering where this all leaves Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.
All that being said, it has now been analysed how Benjamin Sesko’s finishing compared to Harry Kane’s in the Bundesliga last season.
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