Revealed: What Arteta Plans To Do To Kai Havertz Next Season

Arsenal’s summer transfer plans could bring a significant tactical shift for Mikel Arteta’s side, with star performer Kai Havertz potentially returning to a midfield role. That’s according to Mirror journalist John Cross, who reports that Arsenal’s pursuit of a new out-and-out number nine may prompt Arteta to reshuffle his attacking structure — putting Havertz back in the engine room.

Havertz has enjoyed a strong end to the 2024/25 campaign, thriving in a false nine role that has allowed him to showcase his intelligence, movement, and goal-scoring instinct. The German international has been instrumental in Arsenal’s attack, leading the line with flair and creativity in the absence of a traditional striker. His performances have drawn widespread praise, silencing many of the critics who questioned his £65 million move from Chelsea last year.

However, the long-term plan at Arsenal could involve the acquisition of a natural striker — a clinical finisher capable of giving the Gunners a more traditional focal point up front. Arsenal have been linked with several forwards in recent months, including Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and Alexander Isak, all of whom would slot into the No. 9 role and free Havertz to drop deeper.

According to John Cross, Arteta and his coaching staff believe Havertz could be even more effective in a midfield three. His blend of technical skill, height, and intelligence would complement the likes of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, potentially giving Arsenal a well-balanced and physically dominant midfield capable of controlling games in both the Premier League and Europe.

Arteta has previously praised Havertz’s versatility, calling him a “unique” player capable of playing multiple roles to a high standard. That adaptability could be key next season as the Gunners look to build a squad that can challenge consistently on all fronts.

There are already signs that this transition is being considered. In matches where Gabriel Jesus or Leandro Trossard have started centrally, Havertz has occasionally dropped into deeper areas to link play or even drift wide to create space. His comfort on the ball, ability to make late runs into the box, and growing physicality make him well-suited to a No. 8 role — particularly in Arteta’s fluid 4-3-3 system.

Arsenal’s ambition to go one step further next season — whether in the Premier League title race or in Europe — means they’ll need both squad depth and tactical flexibility. Bringing in a new striker would not only offer another goal-scoring option but could unlock another level in Havertz’s game from midfield.

The upcoming transfer window promises to be a crucial one for the Gunners, and with Havertz’s role potentially evolving again, Arsenal fans may be about to witness yet another reinvention of one of their most talented stars.