‘He can’t even hit a barn door’: Arsenal told why £65m summer signing will end up a ‘flop’

Rob McCarthy 18 Jul 2023 8:00 AM

Kai Havertz signs for Arsenal. Credit - @Arsenal

Arsenal have been told why Kai Havertz will be a ‘flop’ following his big-money move from London rivals Chelsea over the summer.

The Germany forward signed a five-year deal after completing his £65million move across the capital, having largely struggled during his three years at Stamford Bridge.

Havertz scored 32 goals in 139 games for the Blues, although that did include notching the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

However, he mostly underwhelmed in west London, having joined Chelsea with a big reputation for £71m from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020.

But after the switch to the Gunners surprised many, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara feels that the transfer will only end one way – with Havertz flopping at The Emirates.

“What Kai Havertz? He can’t even hit a barn door,” O’Hara said on talkSPORT. “He wasn’t good enough for Chelsea so they got rid of him.

“I am telling you now that Kai Havertz will be a flop at Arsenal. I don’t think it’s going to work out and I don’t think it’s going to fit into their mould.”

Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale does not share that opinion, however, and believes the Germany international is a ‘very good signing’ for Mikel Arteta’s men.

Assessing the big-money transfer, the England stopper told Kicker: “It’s a very good signing.

“Kai already has a lot of experience, he was captain in Leverkusen when he was very young. He’s an international player, has won the Champions League and scored in important games.

“He can play in different positions, which will help the team. He’s also a tall boy, so he can also help with set-piece situations, which shouldn’t be underestimated in modern football.”

Havertz a handful for defenders

When also asked what he thought of Havertz‘s time at Stamford Bridge, Ramsdale added: “Above all, it was striking how different he can play. He’s so good with the ball at his feet but at the same time he can be a target player.

“As his opponent, you could never really rest against him because he is constantly looking for free space.

“Also, he’s very generous on the ball and likes to use the wingers or players who move up from midfield. Hopefully we will see all of these qualities next season.”

Havertz is one of three Arsenal summer signings so far, with Jurrien Timber arriving from Ajax and Declan Rice in a British transfer record deal from West Ham.

Arsenal Jamie O'Hara Kai Havertz