The switch of Chelsea’s Kai Havertz to rivals Arsenal has prompted quite the conversation in the footballing world, but what are the real reasons behind this transfer?

This article delves into why Havertz has decided to trade his Chelsea blues for Arsenal red based on reports coming out of Germany.

Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz via
  • Havertz’s move to Arsenal driven by desire to play in his favourite central, attacking midfield position.
  • Havertz hopes to escape the chaos at Chelsea and eyes better prospects at Arsenal.
  • Arsenal willing to meet the high transfer fee for Havertz, underlining their commitment to strengthening the team.

Football fans around the world were left puzzled when news broke that Kai Havertz was set to switch from Chelsea to Arsenal.

The German international, who previously played for Bayer Leverkusen, is now expected to be the next Mikel Arteta signing. The final details of the deal are being worked out and Havertz has already completed his medical with Arsenal, posing for his Arsenal promo shots.

BREMEN, GERMANY - JUNE 12: Kai Havertz of Germany celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the International Friendly match between Germany and Ukraine at Wohninvest Weserstadion on June 12, 2023 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
BREMEN, GERMANY – JUNE 12: Kai Havertz of Germany celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the International Friendly match between Germany and Ukraine at Wohninvest Weserstadion on June 12, 2023 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Havertz’s decision to move was primarily influenced by Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s coach.

Arteta, according to SPORT BILD, promised Havertz the opportunity to play in his favoured position – central, attacking midfield.

This tactical shift is expected to see Havertz playing alongside Martin Odegaard as either double tens or double eights, with Declan Rice – currently still at West Ham, ideally behind them.

The 24-year-old was often played up front at Chelsea, a role he is expected to leave behind at Arsenal.

With the upcoming Euros in 2024 in Germany, it is vital for Havertz to prove his mettle in his preferred position for the DFB team. The hope is that this move could offer Havertz the break he needs from the tumultuous period at Chelsea and the chance to show the talent that had Arsenal scouting him in 2018 as he was compared to Mesut Ozil.

Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (L) and Chelsea's English head coach Graham Potter (R) on the pitch after the final whistle of the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 29, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (L) and Chelsea’s English head coach Graham Potter (R) on the pitch after the final whistle of the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on October 29, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea’s poor performance last season, ending in 12th place, despite investing over €612 million, was a significant let down.

Havertz’s close friend and teammate, Mason Mount, is also expected to depart from Chelsea, adding to the reasons for Havertz’s move, according to German reports.

Arteta, who has been with Arsenal since December 2019, played a significant role in Havertz’s decision.

His plans for the player and the club at large were appealing to Havertz, swaying his choice in favour of the north Londoners.

Havertz is expected to sign a five-year contract with Arsenal.

Chelsea's English caretaker manager Frank Lampard (R) speaks with Chelsea's German midfielder Kai Havertz (L) during warm-up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on April 8, 2023. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English caretaker manager Frank Lampard (R) speaks with Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (L) during warm-up ahead of the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on April 8, 2023. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

This move by Arsenal underlines their ambition to challenge the likes of Manchester City.

The Gunners are willing to pay almost €75 million plus bonus payments linked to the success of the German star.

Only time will tell if this move is beneficial for Havertz and Arsenal alike, who leaves Chelsea aged 24 – the same age as Mo Salah when they sold him.