Kai Havertz has moved to Arsenal for a reported £65m deal. This could turn into a situation where Havertz reaches new heights with the Gunners. However, for now, this deal is a winner for Chelsea as the club gets a good fund among other factors. With most outgoings done, the Blues will slowly start to look at incomings that will play next season. Christopher Nkunku is already on the way to replace the German in the already bloated squad and it remains to be seen whether he can live up to the hype or not. This is a look at three reasons why CFC got the better deal by selling Kai Havertz to Arsenal.
Overall wage structure and transfer fees
Todd Boehly and his team have been on a mission to reduce the inflated wage bill at Chelsea. According to various outlets, the Blues had the highest wage bill in the Premier League last season. The new strategy at the club includes signing players on long contracts and offering wages with a lot of bonuses. The idea is to reduce the wage bill while signing world-class talent simultaneously, which is different from the approach in the Roman Abramovich era.
Havertz was one of the highest earners at CFC, and his transfer to Arsenal is a move in the right direction as far as the finances are concerned. It follows in line with several other outgoings, and it is good to see the board moving quickly with outgoings. The transfer fee is another important factor that makes this transfer a brilliant deal for Chelsea. Arsenal has reportedly signed Havertz for £65m. The figure is surprising, considering Havertz had only two years left on his contract, and his performances weren’t spectacular. The Gunners have bet on his potential, and Chelsea has gotten a brilliant deal. Considering the hefty fee the Blues paid for the German three years ago, fans must commend the board for negotiating a good deal with Arsenal.
Failed false nine experiment with Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz led the line for Chelsea in a number of games over the past three seasons. More often than not, he was underwhelming at the front, but he did show some flashes of brilliance. He was given many chances in a variety of positions at the club. His misuse as a centre forward was a concern, as managers couldn’t seem to get the best out of the Germany international in that position. The false nine experiment never really took off in west London, and this seems like the right moment to part ways.
While wearing the blue shirt, the 24-year-old scored 19 goals in 91 Premier League appearances, assisting another 10. The numbers are disappointing for a player regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the world when he signed. Havertz is calm on the ball, and his swift movement makes the attack look elegant. He is a good presser off the ball and has an excellent aerial presence.
However, he has yet to show signs that he is capable of building play and acting as a focal point for the attack. He hasn’t been able to drive forward with the ball from a deep position, either. It is obvious that the attacking midfielder is not meant to be a false nine or striker, at least not at Chelsea. The experiment has not worked, various managers have come and gone, and no one has figured this dilemma out.
It makes sense for Chelsea to sell to Arsenal due to his contract situation. While he has had big moments for the Blues, he could never find the consistency required, and this is the right time to part ways.
Good start to Mauricio Pochettino era at Chelsea
The transfer is a welcome move as it marks the beginning of a new era under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine manager can start afresh and won’t have to face the pressure of making the Havertz experiment work. With Havertz out the door, Pochettino can focus on finding a new setup to get more goals from the attack. Moreover, players like Mudryk and Madueke can get regular game time and a focal point in attack in the form of a traditional striker. Chelsea could have kept Havertz and considered selling next summer, but that would have meant that the new manager would have to face the same issue again, finding his best position for a season. Moreover, he would have gone for a lesser fee next summer as he would have had only 12 months left on his contract.
The arrival of Christopher Nkunku means that Chelsea doesn’t have to look into the market to find a replacement for Havertz. It offers a clearer plan, and hopefully, Nkunku can fit into the new attacking system under Pochettino. Chelsea must look for a proper striker in the market to ensure that Nkunku doesn’t end up like Havertz. Moreover, Pochettino must have a plan in place to use the Frenchman effectively in his suited position. The German’s move has created space in an otherwise bloated squad. With no European football next season, CFC will focus on the Premier League and look for a consistent attack. While it is disappointing to see him leave for a direct rival, it makes sense to part ways right now.