Kai Havertz’s Role and Performance at Arsenal in the 2024-25 Season

Quick Answer

Kai Havertz has established himself as a reliable attacking contributor at Arsenal across the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, delivering consistent goal tallies while adapting to the tactical demands of Mikel Arteta's system. In the 2024-25 Premier League, he recorded 9 goals and 3 assists in 23 appearances, with a total of 14 goals across all competitions in just 30 games.

His 2025-26 season has started at a slower statistical pace, with 2 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League, but his role remains integral to Arsenal's offensive structure. Questions persist about his long-term future due to reported transfer interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea, with a rumored €90 million valuation.

Key Facts

• 2024-25 Premier League: 9 goals, 3 assists in 23 appearances, 1,874 minutes played, average rating of 6.90.
• 2024-25 overall: 14 goals in 30 games across all competitions for Arsenal, matching his 14-goal tally from 2023-24 but in 21 fewer appearances.
• 2025-26 Premier League (partial season): 2 goals, 3 assists in 583 minutes, average rating of 6.83, with 1 yellow card.
• Transfer market value: Listed at €55 million in January 2026 and €65 million, with reports in February 2026 suggesting Bayern Munich were willing to pay €75 million. A separate report from November 2025 indicated a potential €90 million transfer battle.
• Reported transfer interest: Bayern Munich and Chelsea are both linked with a move for Havertz, with his future at Arsenal uncertain due to the club's potential need to sell after a spending spree.
• Role change possible: Reports suggest Havertz may take on a different role if Arsenal signs Benjamin Sesko, an £85.5 million target.

Background and Context

Kai Havertz arrived at Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a significant transfer fee, following a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge where he scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final but struggled for consistent form. His move was initially met with skepticism from some Arsenal supporters, given his inconsistent output at Chelsea and the high expectations that came with his transfer fee.

However, under Mikel Arteta's tactical guidance, Havertz has found a more defined role that maximizes his strengths. The German international is a versatile attacker who can operate as a central striker, an attacking midfielder, or a wide forward.

His height (6'2"), technical ability, and intelligent movement make him a unique asset in Arsenal's system. Arteta has primarily deployed him as a false nine or a drifting forward, allowing him to drop deep to link play while also making late runs into the box.

This role contrasts with a traditional center-forward, as Havertz is not a pure poacher but rather a facilitator who contributes to build-up play. The 2024-25 season marked a clear statistical improvement for Havertz.

His 14 goals in 30 games across all competitions represented a significant increase in efficiency compared to his first season at Arsenal, where he also scored 14 goals but needed 51 appearances to do so. This suggests he has acclimated to Arteta's system and is becoming more clinical in front of goal.

The Premier League stats tell a similar story: 9 goals and 3 assists in 23 appearances with an average rating of 6.90, indicating consistent contributions. The 2025-26 season has started at a slower pace statistically, with only 2 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League so far.

His average rating has dipped slightly to 6.83, and he has played 583 minutes with one yellow card. This could reflect a variety of factors, including tactical adjustments by opponents, injury issues, or the natural variance that occurs over a season.

However, it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about his form, as the season is still ongoing as of June 2026.

Detailed Explanation

Havertz's Role in Arteta's System

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal system relies on fluid attacking movement, positional rotations, and high pressing. Havertz fits this system because of his ability to interpret multiple roles.

When deployed as a false nine, he drops into midfield to create numerical advantages, allowing wingers like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to make runs behind the defense. His height also makes him a target for crosses and set pieces, though he is not a traditional aerial specialist.

Arteta's use of Havertz has evolved over his two seasons at the club. In 2023-24, Havertz often started as a left-sided midfielder or an attacking midfielder, but his goal output was modest.

By 2024-25, Arteta shifted him into a more central role, and the results were immediate. The drop in games needed to reach 14 goals—from 51 to 30—suggests that the positional change unlocked his goal-scoring potential.

However, Havertz's role is not static. Reports indicate that if Arsenal signs Benjamin Sesko, a striker from RB Leipzig valued at £85.5 million, Havertz could take on a different role.

This might mean playing deeper as a number 8, or shifting to the left wing to accommodate Sesko as the central striker. Such a change would require Havertz to adapt his game again, but his versatility makes him capable of handling it.

Statistical Analysis 2024-25 vs. 2025-26

Comparing Havertz's two most recent seasons is instructive but must account for sample size. The 2024-25 season gives us a full picture: 9 goals and 3 assists in 23 Premier League appearances, with 1,874 minutes played.

The goals-per-minute ratio is approximately one goal every 208 minutes, which is respectable for a player who is not a pure striker. His average rating of 6.90 indicates consistent, above-average performances.

The 2025-26 season, as of June 2026, shows 2 goals and 3 assists in 583 minutes, with a rating of 6.83. The goals-per-minute ratio is slightly lower at one goal every 291 minutes, but the assist rate is higher (one every 194 minutes vs.

one every 625 minutes in 2024-25). This could suggest that Havertz is creating more chances for teammates, even if his own finishing has dipped.

It is important to note that the 2025-26 data comes from a partial season. The sample size is small, and variance is high.

Havertz could easily go on a scoring run in the remaining games. Additionally, the 2025-26 season includes only Premier League data, not cup competitions, so his overall goal contribution across all competitions could be higher.

Transfer Rumors and Future Uncertainty

The transfer rumors surrounding Havertz add a layer of complexity to his current situation. Reports from February 2026 indicated that Bayern Munich were willing to pay €75 million for the player, while his Transfermarkt market value was listed at €55 million in January 2026 and €65 million.

A separate November 2025 report suggested that Arsenal could be forced to consider selling Havertz next summer due to their recent spending spree. The rumored fee in that report was €90 million.

Bayern Munich's interest makes tactical sense, as they are in need of a versatile attacking player who can play both centrally and wide. Chelsea's reported interest is more surprising, given that Havertz left the club in 2023 and his relationship with Chelsea supporters was strained.

However, Chelsea are rebuilding under new management and may see Havertz as a familiar option. For Arsenal, selling Havertz would be a significant decision.

He has become a key contributor, and his versatility is valuable. However, if the club needs to balance the books after high-profile signings like the potential Benjamin Sesko deal, Havertz could be the player sacrificed.

The reported €90 million fee would represent a significant profit on the initial transfer fee paid to Chelsea.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

Is Havertz a flop at Arsenal?

No. This misconception stems from his inconsistent form at Chelsea, but his Arsenal record tells a different story.

In two seasons, he has scored 28 goals across all competitions, with a significant improvement in efficiency from 2023-24 to 2024-25. His 9 goals and 3 assists in 23 Premier League appearances in 2024-25 represent solid output for a player who is not a traditional striker.

Does Havertz only score against weaker teams?

This is a common narrative applied to many players, but the reference content does not provide match-by-match opponent data. Without specific information on the quality of opponents he scored against, this claim cannot be verified.

Based on his overall statistics, his goal-scoring rate is consistent with a player who contributes in a variety of matches.

Is Havertz's role at Arsenal uncertain?

There is some truth to this. His role could change if Arsenal signs Benjamin Sesko, as reports suggest.

However, this does not mean Havertz is necessarily leaving the club. It might simply mean a tactical adjustment, with Havertz playing deeper or wider.

His versatility is an asset, not a liability, in this scenario.

Will Arsenal sell Havertz in the summer of 2026?

The reports are speculative. While there is interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea, and Arsenal may need to sell due to financial constraints, no transfer has been agreed.

The rumored €90 million fee is high, and Arsenal may not receive an offer at that level. His future remains uncertain, but a departure is not guaranteed.

Is Havertz's 2025-26 form a concern?

The 2 goals and 3 assists in 583 minutes represent a slower start than the previous season, but the sample size is small. It is too early to conclude that his form is declining.

Many factors, including tactical adjustments, injury, or opponent quality, could explain the lower output. A more complete season's data is needed for a fair assessment.

What to Watch For (or Next Steps)

For the remainder of the 2025-26 season, several factors will determine Havertz's trajectory at Arsenal. First, watch for any tactical changes if Benjamin Sesko arrives.

If Sesko is signed, Havertz's role may shift deeper or to the wing. How he adapts to this change will be crucial for his performance and his place in the squad.

Second, monitor transfer developments. The reported interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea is likely to intensify as the summer transfer window approaches.

If Arsenal receives a bid close to the €90 million valuation, they may be forced to consider it. Conversely, if no acceptable offer arrives, Havertz will likely remain at the club for the 2026-27 season.

Third, pay attention to Havertz's goal-scoring rate in the remaining games of the 2025-26 season. If he finishes the season with a strong run of form, the concerns about his slower start will dissipate.

If his output remains low, questions about his consistency will resurface. For fans and analysts, the key is to avoid overreacting to small sample sizes.

Havertz has proven his value over a full season, and a few months of lower output does not change that. The summer transfer window will be the definitive moment for his future at Arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Kai Havertz's stats for the 2024-25 Premier League season?

In the 2024-25 Premier League, Havertz scored 9 goals and provided 3 assists in 23 appearances. He played 1,874 minutes and had an average rating of 6.90.

How many goals did Havertz score for Arsenal in the 2024-25 season across all competitions?

Havertz scored 14 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal in the 2024-25 season. This matched his total from the 2023-24 season, but he achieved it in 21 fewer games.

Is Kai Havertz likely to leave Arsenal in the upcoming transfer window?

There are reports of interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea, with a rumored €90 million valuation. However, no transfer has been agreed.

His future remains uncertain, and a departure is possible but not guaranteed.

What is Havertz's current market value according to Transfermarkt?

According to Transfermarkt, Havertz's market value was listed at €55 million in January 2026 and €65 million. A separate report in February 2026 suggested Bayern Munich were willing to pay €75 million.

How has Havertz performed in the 2025-26 Premier League season?

As of June 2026, Havertz has scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in 583 minutes of Premier League action. He has received 1 yellow card and has an average rating of 6.83.

The season is still ongoing.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.