Mikel Arteta believes Kai Havertz has what it takes to score 25 to 30 goals a season, as long as he is given enough games and involvement.
Mikel Arteta has backed Kai Havertz to become a 25 to 30-goal-a-season striker at Arsenal, insisting the German simply needs a consistent run of games to reach that level.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Nottingham Forest, Arteta was asked whether Havertz has the ability to hit those numbers. The Arsenal boss was in no doubt, revealing it was one of the reasons the club signed him from Chelsea in 2023.
He said, ‘I think he has. That is why he is playing there and that is why we signed him! I think he has it and he needs that volume of games and actions. If you give him that, I am a big believer that he can do that.’
Havertz has rarely been given that consistency in an Arsenal shirt. After an impressive 2023/24 campaign, in which he scored 13 Premier League goals after moving into a more advanced role, injuries have repeatedly disrupted his progress. A hamstring problem ended his 2024/25 season early, and he spent much of last season on the sidelines before returning in time for the final weeks of the title run-in.
Arteta acknowledged how difficult that period was, explaining that it is never easy for a striker to rediscover his best form after such a long layoff. However, he was full of praise for how quickly Havertz has got back to his best, saying he had done it almost immediately from pre-season.
The Germany international has been Arteta’s first-choice striker this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in all competitions. He has firmly cemented himself to lead the line for the Gunners, being preferred to Viktor Gyökeres, who is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign.
Arteta also highlighted Havertz’ competitive streak, revealing he left the pitch upset after Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Lille despite making a decisive impact off the bench.
Havertz replaced Gyökeres after 65 minutes with Arsenal leading 1-0, and within six minutes he had played the pass that set up Bukayo Saka for the third goal. However, Arteta said the 27-year-old was frustrated not to get on the scoresheet himself.
‘He was happy that he helped the team, but so upset, and that is the Kai that we want, a player that wants to evolve and improve every single day,’ Arteta said. ‘He loves the game, he loves to learn, he loves to feel important.’
Havertz shrugged off a knock picked up on international duty with Germany to start last weekend’s win over Leeds United, after passing a late fitness test, and is expected to lead the line again at the City Ground this afternoon.
Arsenal have failed to score on their last two visits to Forest, so the Gunners will be hoping Havertz can add to his tally as they leave with all three points.