Kevin Campbell has lauded Arsenal’s summer capture of Jurrien Timber and how he is ‘already showing’ his worth under Mikel Arteta.
But the Arsenal legend thinks that’s a lot different to what is being said about Kai Havertz because he thinks the attack-minded forward has had ‘a lot of shade thrown at him’, as he told BBC Radio 5 Sport.
Jurrien Timber arrived from Ajax to provide depth and quality at centre-back and at right-back, with Mikel Arteta using the Dutch star as a right-sided fullback throughout pre-season.
All of last season, he played as a centre-half for Ajax, who after winning the Eredivisie title under Erik ten Hag, failed to even make Champions League football – but as Rio Ferdinand mentioned, even Manchester United wanted the player and they couldn’t get him.
In comparison, Havertz joined from London rivals Chelsea, another team that, not only failed to make the Champions League, but Europe altogether – he has been tipped to ‘flop’ in the colours of his new home by a former midfield player.
But there seems to be a much darker cloud over his head than the rest, as Campbell shared.
“There has been a lot of shade thrown at Kai Havertz,” said Campbell. “I like him as a player. His skill set is just what Arsenal need, so I am looking for Declan Rice to really get the best out of him.
“Jurrien Timber coming in. I think he is already showing what a good player he is and how versatile he is. Not even seen him at centre-half yet, but have seen him at right-back. He could push inside to that midfield slot and play at left-back.
“I think the versatility and depth have improved. But it all has to improve and come together in the right manner.”
New signings will prove their worth
There have only been a few players, Willian, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira that haven’t worked under the stewardship of Arteta.
Willian has come and gone in a brutal fashion, although, others think he is now a ‘big player’, whilst this is Vieira’s second season, so it will be interesting to see what changes for him.
As for Lokonga, it does seem as though he could be heading for the exit door this summer and joining a familiar face at another Premier League side.
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