Aaron Ramsdale says Kai Havertz has ‘a lot of quality’ following his transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal this summer.
While Declan Rice steals the transfer limelight at Arsenal because of his club-record move, it could be argued that the Kai Havertz deal got most people talking.
The German international didn’t exactly have the best of times with Chelsea last season, so it raised the question as to why Mikel Arteta is bringing him across London for Arsenal’s Premier League title push.
Well, Aaron Ramsdale certainly likes what he sees from the 24-year-old in pre-season and mentioned how, when he was still in Chelsea colours, he would ‘protect his own’ and showcase a ‘feisty’ character to his game, as he told TNT Sports.
All of that, and some better form, is going to be needed at the Emirates next season as the Gunners push for the Premier League title again.
Whilst Havertz hasn’t won the Premier League title, he did score the winner in the European Cup final, so he knows how to deliver in the big games, as Ramdale spoke honestly and openly about his new teammate.
“He is very versatile,” said Ramsdale. “I think I’ve played against him a couple of times where he’s played No. 9, No. 10, off the right, and in midfield, so he’s someone who’s going to bring a lot of quality.
“He will bring a lot of experience as well; he scored the winner in the Champions League final, [he has] caps for Germany, and he was captain of Leverkusen when he was coming up.
“He’s going to bring a lot of quality to our team and I’m looking forward to it.
“I also think he’s got a little bit about him as well. A little bit feisty. He’s not going to be shying away and he’ll be protecting his team-mates. When we played against Chelsea in the past he would always be there looking after his own. I’m looking forward to having him on my team.”
Havertz has a lot to prove
There are many doubting the German, so he has to go out there and shut his critics up next season. He needs to use it as fuel.
Given that there is this negative talk about his signing, if he shows positive signs under Arteta, then the noise around him will be overhyped.
Arteta is the key here because he has proven that he is capable of getting the best out of players, whether they are coming through the academy, some unknown quantity from Brazil, a big-money signing or a struggling star such as the recently-departed Granit Xhaka, so Havertz has every chance of being a very, very good signing for the club.
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