Kai Havertz has reiterated his happiness after joining Arsenal from Chelsea two seasons ago despite being considered a cult hero by Chelsea fans after scoring in their 2021 Champions League triumph.
The German international was a sensational talent in the Bundesliga, where he came through the youth ranks and attracted the attention of Europe’s top teams with his impressive performances for the German outfit.
However, Chelsea won the race for his signature, as the Blues forked out €80 million to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Havertz arrived at the Cobham training base with the world at his feet due to his exploits at Leverkusen, where he became the youngest player to reach 50 and 100 appearances, scoring 46 times and providing 31 assists in 139 appearances.
However, things didn’t quite click at Chelsea for the 25-year-old, and his three years at the club were marred by mixed results and poor performances. However, Havertz was the difference maker for Chelsea when they faced Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final, scoring the only goal in the game.
In 2023, Arsenal shocked the football world by paying €75 million to bring Havertz to the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta waxing lyrical about the prospect of working with the German.
Just one year after joining the Gunners, Havertz has reflected on his move to Arsenal and called it “the best decision ever”.
What Kai Havertz said
‘I’ve been here just over a year, but it feels like ages,’ the German told Sky Sports. ‘I know everyone so well and it just feels like home.
‘I enjoy every second. For me it’s the best thing I could have done. I’m so glad for the support from everyone that helped me during my time.
‘I just got started and I hope to continue in good form, play well and win titles.’
What Top six says
Despite his shaky start to life at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta showed great patience and put maximum trust in Havertz in his first season with the club.
The 25-year-old was favoured over Gabriel Jesus to lead the lines for Arsenal despite not being a number nine, as they narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City by two points.
The German scored 14 times in 50 appearances for The Gunners in his first season and is well on course to break that tally this season, having scored nine times in 20 appearances so far.
