Mikel Arteta has sought to reassure Kai Havertz over his game-time at Arsenal after Viktor Gyokeres’ move to the Emirates Stadium.
Sweden international Gyokeres accomplished a £64m move to Arsenal last month and scored his first goal for the club in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao.
Gyokeres’ header, provided by a wonderful cross from Martin Zubimendi, put Arsenal ahead and the hosts doubled their lead shortly after through Bukayo Saka.
Havertz got here off the bench so as to add Arsenal’s third late on as Arteta’s side ended a somewhat worrying pre-season schedule with a powerful and deserved win.
Ex-Chelsea man Havertz was Arsenal’s first-choice striker for much of last season but Gyokeres looks set to take that slot following his move from Sporting.
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The 27-year-old enjoyed two prolific seasons on the Portuguese giants, scoring 97 goals in 102 appearances.
Gyokeres’ arrival will put pressure on Havertz but Arteta says the German can play in the identical team as Arsenal’s marquee summer signing or adopt a unique role within the side.
Before his 2023 move to north London, Havertz played across the front line for Chelsea and his national team Germany.
Asked in regards to the competition Havertz will face following Gyokeres’ arrival, Arteta said after the Bilbao win: ‘They will play together or Kai can play in different positions.
‘It elevates the standard within the squad, the choices we’ve got within the team and the choices to offer opposition with quite a lot of problems.
‘It’s great to see them each scoring and each of them in such good form. It’s a great problem to have.’
Speaking about Arsenal’s win more generally, Arteta added: ‘I’m very joyful with what I see.
‘I feel, individually, there was some big performances against a Champions League opponent. It’s a great feeling.
‘That first goal is all the time very vital and the best way he (Gyokeres) took it as well, was really, really good.
‘We’re developing certain connections with the brand new players. It was superb. Kai got here in and I feel the goal he scored was top, as well.
‘Raising the extent of everybody goes to essentially help us, because at that level, we’re going to need our highest from everybody.’
Mikel Arteta ‘open’ to more Arsenal transfers
Arteta hopes Gyokeres is the ultimate piece of the jigsaw for an Arsenal team which have finished second for 3 years in a row.
In addition to signing Gyokeres, Arsenal have brought Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Emirates Stadium.
Asked whether the club were still pursuing other deals within the transfer market, Arteta said: ‘Let’s see what happens, when it comes to where the squad is in the subsequent few weeks.
‘But, we’re actively options. As well, there are a number of players that, possibly, they’ve to depart as well. So, we might be open to see what happens.’
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