Arsenal: Mikel Arteta backs 'genetic powerhouse' Kai Havertz to play key role after transfer failure Given the amount of minutes Kai Havertz will have to get through between now until the end of the season, it is just as well Mikel Arteta views him as a “genetic powerhouse”.
Leandro Trossard is able to fill in upfront, and has been used as a ‘false nine’ by Arsenal in the past, but Arteta can envisage a world where Havertz starts every remaining game this season.
Arsenal’s failure to sign a new forward in the January transfer window means Havertz is their only fit recognised striker, with Gabriel Jesus out for the rest of season due to a knee injury.
Indeed, in Havertz’s final season for Chelsea before he joined Arsenal, he ranked second in the Premier League for distance covered.
Arteta’s words echo that of England boss Thomas Tuchel, who when he was in charge of Chelsea was also a huge fan of Havertz and his willingness to work.
