Mikel Arteta reacts to Kai Havertz playing in midfield for Arsenal against Manchester United

There are some Arsenal fans, and probably more, who dread Kai Havertz playing in the middle of the park.

The 25-year-old joined Arsenal last summer in a big-money deal from Chelsea and his signing drew a mixed reaction.

Arsenal fans will remember their title-crushing defeat to Aston Villa towards the back end of the previous campaign.

That was the moment Arsenal handed the Premier League title to Manchester City and it was also the game Havertz played in midfield – even though he was bang in form and performing well as a forward.

So, there will be some supporters screaming and shouting for their manager to move away from that tactic and keep him up front.

But during Arsenal’s pre-season friendly win over Manchester United in the USA, it was Gabriel Jesus who started up top.

Arteta expressed how Jesus has transformed, which might signal that the Brazil star could keep his place ahead of the new campaign.

But think again, with Arteta explaining that the only reason Havertz moved back was because of a lack of numbers, as he told Football London.

Arsenal beat Manchester United in pre-season

“Today, we played him there because we are really short in numbers in midfield, at the moment,” said Arteta.

“We have to maintain a competitive team, so we decided to play him there.”

There is all this striker talk at Arsenal and how Arteta needs to go out and buy a number nine to help push the team over the title line.

Arsenal have been continually backed to sign Ivan Toney, but as of this moment, they don’t seem to be looking in that direction.

And they might just be doing the right thing after two record-breaking seasons in front of goal for the team.

If Havertz and Jesus can push each other a little more, then that friendly competition will only aid Arsenal’s title chances.