26 June 2023 , 10:33
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Mikel Arteta may have a fresh headache to deal with ahead of Kai Havertz's unveiling as an Arsenal player, which is expected sometime at the beginning of this week.
While the Gunners boss is incredibly happy to be landing a player of Havertz's calibre, there are now rumours that the arrival of the Germany international will put a few noses out of joint. Specifically, Eddie Nketiah, who is reportedly fearful of what Havertz's arrival means for his own playing time.
Nketiah is used to playing second-fiddle, as the England under-21 international deputised for Gabriel Jesus at times last term while the Brazilian recovered from knee surgery before regaining his place fairly sharpish. However, Havertz would surely only put Nketiah further down the pecking order.
There has been some confusion among Arsenal fans over where exactly Arteta will look to deploy Havertz ahead of his £60m move, given he played in a number of roles during his three years at Chelsea. Some have suggested he could be a left-sided eight in midfield, but it is far more likely he occupies a forward role.
That is of course unwelcome news for Nketiah. According to SunSport, the Arsenal ace feels like he is at a crucial stage in his career where he needs regular football and if the signing of Havertz obstructs that, he may feel the need to look elsewhere.
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Nketiah certainly wouldn't be shy of potential suitors, with all three of London trio West Ham, Crystal Palace and Fulham now on 'red alert' regarding the situation.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Does Arsenal signing Havertz spell the end for Nketiah? Comment below
Eddie Nketiah is thought to be considering his Arsenal future amid Kai Havertz's imminent arrivalHavertz is about to move from Chelsea to Arsenal and that is a switch that often comes with controversy, but it is not just Nketiah that the 24-year-old appears to have upset. With his switch to the Gunners set to be confirmed imminently, the former Bayer Leverkusen man thought he'd have some fun on Twitter.
He opted to upload a photo alongside Blues team-mate Matteo Kovacic, who is also expected to be leaving Stamford Bridge to join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, accompanied with a caption that read: "We're ready."
As expected, many fans interpreted the post as a subtle shot at Chelsea, given both of them are all but out the door already. Havertz certainly felt the rage of the Blues faithful in the replies, who were left seething by the provocative upload.
Arsenal boss Arteta has already talked up Havertz before the deal has been announced, as he heaped praise on the Germany ace in a recent interview.
Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca, Arteta explained: "Talent comes at a price, and at Arsenal we are always interested in youngsters with experience.
"I repeat, I'm not talking about players from other clubs, but in the case of Kai he has already shown a lot, including in the Champions League. He is a talented player, versatile and only 24 years old."