Arteta: Havertz Can Score 30 Goals a Season

Mikel Arteta has made a bold claim about Kai Havertz, stating he believes the German striker can become a 30-goal-a-season player for Arsenal ^[2]. The assertion, reported by the Metro, has not been confirmed and is based solely on one source. Havertz, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023, has yet to reach that mark in any single season, with his highest tally being 15 goals in a campaign.

Despite missing significant time due to hamstring and knee injuries last season—limiting him to 24 appearances and seven goals—Havertz has started all of Arsenal’s Premier League games this term ^[2]. He has scored twice in the opening three fixtures but has gone five matches without a goal.

Arteta praised Havertz’s mentality, football IQ, and work ethic, saying he understands the game at an exceptional speed and breaks down information better than any other player on the team ^[2]. The manager highlighted Havertz’s frustration after coming off the pitch without scoring in Arsenal’s Champions League win over Lille, noting his competitive nature and desire to improve daily ^[1].

Havertz has been preferred over Viktor Gyokeres, who has made only three starts this season and remains goalless in seven appearances ^[2]. Arteta acknowledged Gyokeres’s determination and work-rate, calling him a constant option regardless of scoring form. However, the Sweden international has not found the net since joining Arsenal, despite a prolific spell at Sporting Lisbon.

Arteta has struggled at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, with just one win in five visits, including two goalless draws ^[1]. The upcoming match against Forest will see Havertz lead the line, reinforcing his central role in the team’s attacking plans ^[2].