27 July 2023 , 05:00
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Emmanuel Petit believes that Kai Havertz has the scope to thrive at Arsenal - if Mikel Arteta deploys him in an attacking midfield role.
Havertz, 24, spent three years at Chelsea but was sacrificed by the Blues hierarchy to raise funds this summer. The Gunners swooped in to snap up the versatile Germany international in a deal worth £65million.
Although Havertz played primarily as a striker at Stamford Bridge, it is believed that Arteta sees his new signing of being capable of filling a variety of roles in midfield and attack. It has been reported, though, that the Spaniard is planning to deploy Havertz in his current system as a left-sided No.8.
And while Petit is adamant that Havertz will be far better suited to playing in a slightly deeper position at the Emirates, the Frenchman would prefer to see the Gunners' new boy playing just behind the No.9.
Speaking to Mirror Football on behalf of 888sport, Petit said: "The way Arteta wants to play, he wants to play with three midfield players. I think he will play Declan Rice as a holding midfielder with Havertz and [Martin] Odegaard as No.8's.
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"For me, Havertz's best position is in midfield right behind the strikers. He's a player that needs to run and be on the move all the time. He played up front so often for Chelsea but you could see that position - being on top of the play - doesn't suit him. Last season for him and for the Chelsea squad was so difficult."
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Emmanuel Petit believes Kai Havertz could thrive in an advanced midfield role at ArsenalAlthough Havertz struggled to live up to expectations at Chelsea, he was played in a variety of roles under a number of different coaches during his stint in west London.
He also etched his name into Chelsea folklore by scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final back in 2021 - and Petit admits he was surprised that his former club were willing to sell Havertz to their London rivals.
Petit added: "I was very surprised when he signed for Arsenal because I was sure he was part of Chelsea's future. Maybe they wanted to sell him because they were upset with what he did last season, but he has so many excuses [for that]. The way that Arsenal play, he will fit perfectly in midfield. We will see the best of Havertz this year.
"[Playing] as a striker sometimes it will depend on the availability of players. But I'm pretty sure if I spoke with Arteta he would tell me that he wants to play Havertz in the midfield area."
* Emmanuel Petit was speaking on behalf of 888sport . Head to 888sport for the latest football odds.