Kai Havertz says Arsenal “want all the trophies” as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown and mount another challenge for Champions League glory.
Eager to get back to work after the World Cup, the Germany international made an immediate impact, opening the scoring as the Gunners beat Girona 4-1 in Spain in their first official friendly of the summer.
Although several senior internationals are still to rejoin the squad, the performance served as another reminder of the depth available to Mikel Arteta. Christos Tzolis offered an encouraging glimpse of what he can bring down the left, while Arsenal continue to be linked with further high-profile additions. Whether or not Bruno Guimaraes or Vinicius Junior eventually arrive, there is already a growing sense of excitement around the champions as the new campaign draws closer.
Speaking after the match, Havertz, who endured an injury-disrupted campaign last season, made no secret of the standards Arsenal have set themselves.
“I think we want all the trophies,” he explained.
“That’s what we’re here for. I think we missed out on a lot in the last couple of seasons. Obviously, we won the Premier League now, but there’s a lot more that we can do.
“We have to reach another level to make that happen. We know how long the season is, we know how hard it is to go through the competitions. We want to do it better again this year and make things happen again.”
He added: “I think we have to go further. You see other teams getting better, so we have to step up another level again – that’s what we’re all here for, that’s what we’re trained for. Play those test games and want to start strong and reach our goals in the season again.”
With the Champions League final quickly followed by the World Cup, Arsenal’s players had little opportunity to savour their Premier League triumph beyond the trophy parade through north London on 31 May. As a result, pre-season has doubled up as something of a reunion, with the squad returning refreshed and eager to attack another demanding year together.
Unsurprisingly, Havertz says the mood in camp has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I feel like after two weeks holidays I was buzzing to come back,” explained Havertz.
“I feel like we’re all fitting very well together. You feel the chemistry in the team, not only on the pitch but also off the pitch. The way we spend the time in the hotel and away from the pitch is amazing.
“I think we have a good connection, all together, and I want to start the season very strong again.”
For his part, Arteta was encouraged by what he saw against Girona, describing the performance as another positive step in Arsenal’s preparations for the new season.
“I’ve seen a lot of things that make me very, very positive,” the Spaniard said.
The manager also reserved special praise for summer signing Tzolis, who marked his first official appearance with a goal and continues to impress behind the scenes.
“I’m very pleased with him. First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team. The connection he’s already generated with the boys.
“I think you’re going to love the player. He’s a very direct player. He’s got the goal between the eyes. I think really good at linking up.
“He has a lot of similarities with Leo [Trossard] in a lot of the things that he can do and the spaces he can occupy. And then the work ethic that he has. He’s a boy that comes with so much hunger as well and wants to prove it. It’s a dream for him and we are here to help him.”
Tzolis also spoke to the media for the first time since completing his reported €40 million move from Club Brugge, revealing that it was Arteta’s approach, rather than a lengthy tactical sales pitch, that convinced him Arsenal was the right destination.
“We spoke more about my story. He wanted to know about my personal life and my career path. He knows my game style and wants me to do the same things at Arsenal. He doesn’t want me to do things differently than I did in Club Brugge.
“He didn’t say, ‘You have to score 10 or 15 goals’, but just to ‘play free and show your qualities; then everything will come’. That makes it a bit easier to be in the final third when we have a lot of ball possession. The chances will be there, the only thing is to be ready and focused.”
The early signs are certainly encouraging. Tzolis has settled quickly into his new surroundings, earned glowing praise from his manager and opened his account at the first opportunity. There is, of course, a long way to go before anyone gets carried away, but Arsenal will hope Saturday offered a glimpse of what is to come.