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Unthinkable Arsenal transfer prompts Kai Havertz swap as Mikel Arteta plans for cup dominance

Kai Havertz faces an interesting summer as Arsenal consider forward options
Kai Havertz faces an interesting summer as Arsenal consider forward options -Credit:Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images


The form of Kai Havertz has prompted something of a rethink at Arsenal as the decisions over the club’s summer plans move into a different space. Many had pegged centre-forward down as a priority but the German’s impressive performances have somewhat changed that view.

There remain several key positions such as central midfield and the wide areas which are in need of an upgrade and reinforcement. Plans have been made by the club for some time with sporting director Edu even hinting toward the striker role not necessarily being a given.

"Well, I understand what the fans are asking for [a striker] but we already have our targets," Edu said on TNT Sport in February. "We have planned a lot ahead of what we're going to face and I will be worried if we don't score a lot of goals and if we’re not creating chances, which is the opposite because we are creating a lot and scoring a lot of goals.

"The plan is to try to get better every year and I think we are in a good moment. Let's see if we can keep improving."

That said, there are a number of strikers that could tempt Arsenal still to make the move. One such player is Alexander Isak of Newcastle, who scored his 20th goal of the league season in 27 matches with the chance to hit 30 games played in the Premier League this campaign somewhat diminishing fears of any persistent injury issues.

Isak's exit from Newcastle might be unthinkable to their fans who have stringently batted away claims that the club need to sell. However, what Isak offers is more than just the goals and an upgrade through the middle.

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Havertz’s fantastic form need not be disrupted by a signing like Isak as the Swede has the capabilities to play in the wide area too. Some might argue that Arsenal’s need is more so on the right, but it is worth highlighting that Gabriel Jesus also offers depth here; Mikel Arteta has even brought on Gabriel Martinelli from the bench on the right-hand side too in something of an experiment.

Isak offers the pace that has sometimes been lacking and the potential to re-establish a connection with former Real Sociedad teammate Martin Odegaard. Even if Havertz is rotated out by Isak, the chance to have a deeper squad to help dominate across several competitions is something the club requires.

Cup eliminations have happened too early despite the challenging draws in the FA Cup in particular. A signing of this calibre added to the existing quality options would certainly help remedy this.