Kai Havertz
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has returned to pre-season training visibly transformed, having significantly bulked up in preparation for the 2025/26 campaign and a looming battle for his place with incoming striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The 26-year-old German international missed four critical months of the previous season due to a hamstring injury. His absence, combined with Gabriel Jesus’ fitness struggles, left the Gunners without a recognised striker during the title run-in.
Now, with Arsenal closing in on a deal to sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, competition for attacking roles is intensifying. The Gunners have reportedly agreed to pay an initial £55 million, with a further £8.6 million in add-ons for the Swedish forward. Personal terms are understood to be agreed in principle on a five-year contract, with Gyokeres scheduled for a medical in London on Friday.
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Gyokeres’ expected arrival casts doubt over Havertz’s role, particularly as the German featured as a striker in over half of his Arsenal appearances last season. However, the former Chelsea man is showing clear signs he’s ready to fight for his place physically and mentally.
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz in training (Image credit: Getty Images)
Images from Arsenal’s training camp in Cartagena, Spain, show Havertz looking noticeably more muscular. This physical transformation, according to manager Mikel Arteta, has been months in the making.
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“There’s been a transformation in his body,” Arteta said. “The last three years of his career have been so condensed that he hasn’t had time to do that. This was a window and he really wanted to use it.
“The staff identified an opportunity for him to improve physically, and it can help him mentally and in his performance. He got on board with it, he worked hard, and you can see his presence. I think he destroyed all the metrics we’ve had in the gym for the last 10 years – power, acceleration, muscle mass, agility. He’s been incredible.”
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