Is not I don’t like Him again or trying to betray Him for what He has done for us so far but this is the right step that I need to take,I need goals to return back to winning ways,if I bottled the league this season then I’ll be sacked that is why me and my coaching staff have made up our mind to replace Him with this Academy striker”, Mikel Arteta has officially demoted Kai Havertz from Striker role at Arsenal to attacking midfielder after watching Academy striker doing wonders in Dubai training ground THIS PARTICULAR ACADEMY STRIKER HAVE BEEN BANGING GOALS ⚽ AT TRAINING GROUND LATELY, WE CAN’T WAIT FOR HIM TO HAVE HIS DEBUT ON SATURDAY 🔥

Arteta Drops Havertz as Striker, Turns to Academy Talent After Impressive Dubai Camp

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made a bold tactical switch, opting to drop Kai Havertz from the striker role and replace him with an emerging academy forward. The decision follows Arsenal’s recent Dubai training camp, where the young striker caught the eye of Arteta and his coaching staff.

With Arsenal locked in a tight Premier League title race, this move signals Arteta’s urgency to solve the club’s goal-scoring inconsistencies and maintain their championship push.

Arteta’s Decision: Havertz to Midfield

In a press conference, Arteta addressed the reasoning behind the change, clarifying that it was not a reflection of Havertz’s overall contribution to the squad.

“Kai is an important player for us, but we need to maximize his strengths. We believe he is more effective in an attacking midfield role, influencing play and linking up with the team rather than leading the line.”

Since his arrival from Chelsea, Havertz has been deployed in multiple roles, including false nine and central midfield. While his work rate, tactical intelligence, and versatility have been valuable, he has struggled to provide the consistent goal threat Arsenal needs.

Why Arsenal Needs a Striker Change

Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Arsenal has often lacked a natural goal-scorer to convert opportunities. Havertz, operating as a striker, has played well in link-up play but has not been ruthless enough in front of goal.

Arteta’s tactical adjustment aims to:
✅ Utilize Havertz’s strengths in a deeper midfield role.
✅ Introduce a traditional No. 9 who can stay in the box and finish chances.
✅ Increase Arsenal’s attacking efficiency as they push for the title.

Who Is Arsenal’s New Striker?

While Arteta did not confirm the academy striker’s identity, reports suggest that Ethan Nwaneri or Chido Obi-Martin could be in line for a first-team promotion.

During Arsenal’s Dubai training camp, a young forward reportedly stood out, scoring against senior defenders and displaying confidence, movement, and finishing ability beyond his years. This performance convinced Arteta to fast-track him into the squad.

Impact on Arsenal’s Attack

Arteta’s decision will lead to key tactical shifts:

🔹 Havertz Moves to Midfield – He is expected to play alongside Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, offering height, technical ability, and link-up play.

🔹 A Natural Striker Leads the Line – Instead of a false nine system, Arsenal will now have a traditional No. 9 who stays in the box and capitalizes on chances.

🔹 More Fluid and Efficient Attacking Play – With Havertz deeper in midfield, Arsenal can expect better transitions, enabling Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to thrive.

Reactions from the Squad

Martin Ødegaard backed Arteta’s decision, emphasizing the need for tactical flexibility.

“Kai is a fantastic player, but this adjustment makes us even stronger. If we score more goals, it’s the right move.”

Bukayo Saka