Kai Havertz reacts to Arsenal fans backlash since his summer arrival from Chelsea
Arsenal signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a £65 million deal during the summer transfer window, but the Germany international is yet to hit the ground running.
The 24-year-old has managed to bag just a goal and an assist in 19 games across all competitions so far, and the Gunners fans are yet to be convinced of his quality.
Havertz opened his goalscoring account for Arsenal in the 4-0 win against Bournemouth in September, converting a second-half penalty to the delight of the travelling supporters.
The former Blues star has revealed that it could take time before he finally wins the fans over, and he is hoping some goals and top-notch performances will help him do that going forward.
Havertz also spoke about the conversation he had with Declan Rice before completing the move to the North London club.
“Before I joined, I spoke a lot with Declan Rice as well, who I know through Mason Mount,” the German told Arsenal’s official website.
“For me, it was very easy to come into the team because there are so many young players. I’ve played against a lot of them already so I know them from the pitch, and I have found it easy to make friends here. Hopefully, it will continue like this.
“It’s very important to feel trust from the fans. It’s always tough when you come from Chelsea, because they are big rivals, so it can take weeks to get some trust from the fans. But goals and good games can help me to get it and I will always give 100 per cent in the games and training sessions. I think they will recognise this as well, which is very important. I’m really happy to be here.”
The Arsenal supporters always demand the best from players at all times, and Havertz knows he has not been delivering consistently.
He will hope to finally start doing so after the international break, and he will be in a great frame of mind having scored for his country while playing at left-back in their 3-2 loss to Turkey in a friendly on Saturday.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta could be interested in also trying the attacking midfielder in the position if he deems it fit, and maybe such a tactical change could finally bring out the best in him in the Arsenal colours.
They return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford, and Havertz will be looking forward to playing a key role in helping his side to victory.
