Mikel Arteta has said Kai Havertz is ‘so good’ as the Arsenal forward prepares to make his 200th appearance in English football.
Arsenal host Southampton in the Premier League this weekend, where Havertz will be aiming to score for the seventh successive game for the Gunners at the Emirates.
The Germany international signed for Arsenal in a £65m deal from Chelsea in 2023, following three mixed seasons in West London. His initial arrival was greeted with scepticism, though Havertz has emerged as a key figure for Arsenal in a centre-forward role.
Arteta believes the difficult moments in the 25-year-old’s career have helped shape him into the player he has become.
“He is so good, he wants it so much and he is surrounded by great players. The fact that he has got through some difficult moments has made him a better player and a better person I think.”
Ahead of the game with Southampton, Arteta provided an update on his squad and the fitness of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard.
“Alex (Zinchenko) probably after the international break if everything goes well. He is progressing well.
“Martin is very difficult. I expected still with the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard and he’s pushing. Difficult to give a timeline.”
Arteta looking forward to Ramsdale reunion
Arsenal’s game with the Saints will also see Aaron Ramsdale return to the Emirates for the first time since his £25m sale in the summer. Arteta is looking forward to the reunion with the England goalkeeper, who was a popular figure during his time in North London.
“He’s a player we loved a lot,” Arteta said. “He really put his fingerprints here at the club. It will be good to see him.”
