Arsenal star ‘unsettled’ over Havertz transfer with exit to Crystal Palace or West Ham on the cards
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is getting worried about his place in Mikel Arteta’s plans with the imminent arrival of Kai Havertz, according to reports.
The Gunners are looking to bring in two midfielders, a centre-back, a right-back and a forward this summer and widespread reports have revealed they are close to bringing in one of those targets.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed today that Chelsea forward Havertz ‘will complete medical with Arsenal soon’ and the transfer will be ‘official next week’.
Nketiah got more game time in the second half of last season, after Gabriel Jesus picked up an injury at the World Cup, but he went back to being a substitute as soon as the Brazilian was fit again.
And now The Sun claim Nketiah ‘has been left unsettled by the impending arrival’ of Havertz with the former England under-21 international worried he could be pushed further down the pecking order.
Havertz can play in a number of positions but he would be the obvious choice to replace Jesus if the former Manchester City forward picked up an injury.
READ MORE: Kai Havertz is a marginal gain for Arsenal when they need giant leaps forward
A source told The Sun: “Eddie’s at a key stage in his career. He feels he’s now proved he can score goals at the highest level and the next step is to be playing week in week out.
“But the fact the club has decided to invest so heavily in another striker has left Eddie wondering if he really has a future at the club.
“There would certainly be no shortage of takers if he were to push for a move. Crystal Palace and West Ham are both near the front of the queue.
“Both clubs lack a 20-goal-a-season man which Nketiah believes he can be in the Premier League.”
Despite coming off the bench in 21 of his 39 appearanes, Nketiah still managed to contribute nine goals and three asssists in all competitions.
The source added: “Mikel Arteta rates Eddie very highly.
“Now they are in the Champions League he thinks the club needs at least three top strikers which is why he was so keen to bring in Kai Havertz, a player with proven Premier League and European experience.
“Arteta may also play with two up front more often next season so he wants to have more options at his disposal.
“Eddie will need to be patient and it will come down to whether he’s prepared to do that or not.”
