As the Premier League’s transfer window edges closer to its end, the discussions around Arsenal’s forward line have grown increasingly intense.
The season opener brought with it a narrative that manager Mikel Arteta might have preferred to avoid.
With expectations already high, the scrutiny on Kai Havertz seemed even greater than on his teammates.
Arsenal has only made one addition to their senior squad so far—Riccardo Calafiori—leaving supporters eagerly anticipating further signings.
With less than two weeks remaining in the transfer window, there is a growing chorus from fans calling for more investment in the squad.
In the midst of this, Havertz offered a timely response to the concerns surrounding Arsenal’s attacking options by delivering a crucial performance in their opening match.
His first-half goal, a powerful header from a well-placed cross by Bukayo Saka, was a textbook example of what a central forward should deliver.
Yet, Havertz’s impact went beyond that single moment. He remained a persistent threat throughout the game, making his presence felt in various ways.
Havertz was twice brought down in the penalty area, with both penalty appeals being waved away by the referee.
Despite these decisions, he continued to assert himself, winning aerial duels, linking up effectively with his teammates to create further opportunities, and contributing significantly in the latter stages of the match.
While Saka’s goal, a trademark cut inside from the right before unleashing a left-footed shot past José Sá, deservedly drew praise, it was Havertz’s intelligent movement, vision, and execution that set up the opportunity and played a key role in securing Arsenal’s victory.
This standout performance from Havertz won’t entirely silence the ongoing discussions on social media about the club’s need for additional signings, but it does provide Arteta with a stronger hand when addressing questions about his options up front.
The market has been less than generous with viable striker options, with names like Viktor Gyökeres and Victor Osimhen often being mentioned.
However, both of these players would require substantial financial outlay, and at this moment, neither would necessarily replace Havertz in the starting eleven.
Given the circumstances, if Arsenal is to invest further, it may be more prudent to focus on reinforcing the wide areas of the pitch.
Saka, who was substituted in the second half—not due to injury but after receiving a series of tough tackles and going down holding his knee during the first half—highlighted the potential vulnerabilities in Arsenal’s depth on the wings.
Although Leandro Trossard was brought on as a substitute, Reiss Nelson is currently the only other natural winger in the squad, and he has been the subject of transfer speculation, potentially leaving the club in need of another wide player.
This scenario underscores the importance of bolstering Arsenal’s options on the flanks and supports the notion that patience could be key in identifying the ideal striker to elevate the team’s performance.
Alternatively, Havertz might already be proving himself capable of stepping into that role.
While the ongoing debates about Arsenal’s transfer strategy and squad composition are unlikely to disappear entirely, Havertz’s impressive display offers a promising glimpse of what he can bring to the team.
For Arteta, the challenge will be navigating the final days of the transfer window, balancing the need for reinforcements with the belief that the current squad, especially with Havertz leading the line, has the potential to succeed.