The signing of Viktor Gyokeres is set to have a huge impact on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal set-up and force one star out of the side, reports say.
After finishing second for three consecutive seasons, Arteta finally acquired a new No.9 in Gyokeres – splashing out £63.5 million on the Swede following his 97-goal stint with Sporting CP.
The arrival of the former Coventry City man adds a whole new dimension to Arsenal’s attack and fans are curious as to how the Gunners will line up in their season-opener against Manchester United on Sunday.
Although not traditionally a striker, Kai Havertz has led the line for Arsenal for two seasons – scoring 29 goals in 87 appearances in all competitions.
Many have predicted Havertz will be moved out of the side to make way for Gyokeres, one of the deadliest strikers in world football.
However, a new special report from Miguel Delaney claims that Havertz still has an important role to play and that the German will be called upon for big games – primarily because of the way he presses.
In fact, it’s suggested that Arsenal staff believe there is a scenario where Havertz drops back into midfield alongside Declan Rice because of the pair’s physical qualities.
Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard has flair in abundance but does not possess those physical attributes and that could see him left out on occasion.
“Kai Havertz’s understanding of the pressing system will still see him used a lot, especially in big games,” Delaney wrote in a piece for The Independent ahead of a crunch season for Arsenal.
“Staff have even envisioned plans where Havertz is picked over Odegaard, with the German and Rice forming an especially physical challenge.”
Gyokeres got off the mark for Arsenal against Athletic Club as he builds up his match fitness and Arteta has already provided an insight in to how his new No.14 will improve his side.
Not only does he value the goals he brings but he believes Gyokeres will create more space for the technicians around him.
“Well I think his goals, his threat, I think he pins both centre backs, he’s a player that when you’re living with a space, one against one, he’s going to destroy you,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“So he’s going to create a lot of space as well for us and yeah, the moment that in any situation there is a player there that can score a goal.”
