Arsenal have 'Kai Havertz plan' as Arteta tinkers after star makes transfer feelings clear

Kai Havertz could be set to be deployed in a deeper role at Arsenal next season with the club closing in on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The German forward managed to prove both his critics and club fans wrong in the latter half of 2023/24 season, proving pivotal to Arsenal’s title charge after initially struggling following his £65million summer move from Chelsea.

He ended the campaign with 14 club goals to his name, and struck a late winner on the final day as the Gunners beat Everton 2-1.

The goal would have been enough to win Arsenal the title had Manchester City dropped points against West Ham, but Pep Guardiola’s side prevailed 3-1 to again confine Mikel Arteta and co to second place.

The Spaniard spent more than £200million last summer in a bid to end City’s dominance, and is expected to make more new signings when the next window opens on June 14. However, amid Financial Fair Play regulations, he is not expected to match his spending total of 2023.

But Sesko, 21, is still being strongly linked with a move to north London. The future of Gabriel Jesus has been subject to speculation after a campaign where he was plagued by form and fitness struggles, with Sesko seemingly viewed as a potential replacement should the Brazilian be sold.

The Slovenian is also being tracked by Chelsea and Manchester United. Critically however, he’s reportedly made it clear to his German club that he favours a move to Arsenal.

Sesko scored 14 times in the Bundesliga in 2023/24, amid a total of 18 club goals overall. And he’s already struck 11 times at international level, top scoring in qualifying as his country earned a place in this summer’s Euro 2024.

Should the transfer materialise, Havertz is expected to be deployed in a deeper midfield role. That’s despite the 24-year-old impressing in a front three in the last campaign, and is set to be utilised in a similar role by Germany at the Euro’s.

In a recent interview with Welt am Sonntag, the 2021 Champions League winner with Chelsea admitted he now saw himself as a striker, although said he was comfortable taking up deeper positions. “I clearly see myself as a number 9 in the national team and that’s what I am now at Arsenal,” he said.

“But I don’t mean the classic nine. Where else are they available? Even Erling Haaland or Harry Kane who you immediately think of, don’t just stand in the box and wait for the finish.”

“The players who are waiting there no longer exist in modern football. I am someone who enjoys letting go and making deep runs. But it is also clear to me that I will be measured by goals.”