William Gallas has branded the signing of Kai Havertz by Arsenal in the 2023 summer transfer window as “a mistake”.
The Gunners acquired the services of Havertz from Chelsea on July 1, 2023, for a fee of €75 million.
Gallas was blunt in his assessment of Kai Havertz, saying that the midfielder “hasn’t done anything” since his arrival to Arsenal.
The 24-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Gunners this season, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist across all competitions.
William Gallas, who had a successful career at the North London club has expressed his disdain for Arsenal’s decision to sign the German forward.
He has called for the former Bayer Leverkusen man to settle quickly into life at the Emirates.
William Gallas on Kai Havertz performances at Arsenal
Speaking in an interview with Lord Ping, Gallas aired his opinion on Kai Havertz, he said:
“I’m not impressed with Kai Havertz so far.
“He’s done nothing since he joined Arsenal. He may have scored, but that was only because Martin Odegaard let him take a penalty!
“Havertz hasn’t done anything yet, and I think he’s in trouble.”
William Gallas afterward proceeded to talk about the signing of Havertz and the minimal expectations placed on his shoulders.
The Frenchman said: “I don’t think Arsenal should have signed Kai Havertz. I think that was a mistake.
“If you spent £60 million on a striker, you expect them to score at least 15 goals in a season! I don’t think that’ll happen.”
Arsenal are aiming to win the English Premier League title this season, having come so close to winning the trophy last season.
Given the ambitions of the club, William Gallas also stressed the importance of picking the right results, with little to no errors expected from players of the team.
He said: “Arsenal don’t have time! The season may be long, but clubs need results straight away.”
Kai Havertz understands what it means to play in the Premier League and for a top club in England.
He scored the vital goal for Chelsea in the 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League final, helping the Blues defeat Manchester City by 1-0.
Havertz had a successful stint with the Blues, which lasted about 3 years, and he won many trophies at the club.
The Aachen-born footballer won the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Champions League title during his time at Stamford Bridge.
He made 139 appearances for the Blues, scoring 32 goals and providing 15 assists across all competitions.
Havertz at Arsenal
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz was instrumental in Arsenal’s 1-0 league win over Manchester City on October 8, 2023.
Havertz’s introduction in the 75th minute brought more spark and energy to the attack of Mikel Arteta’s side and they went on to score in the 86th minute off an assist from the 24-year-old.
He was crucial to Arsenal securing their first Premier League win over Manchester City since December 21, 2015.
Coincidentally, that victory was also the first league win for the Gunners over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Arsenal remain unbeaten after 8 Premier League matches, and they sit joint-top with Tottenham Hotspur on the table.
The Gunners have picked up 20 points from 8 matches, winning 6 matches and drawing 2.
They visit Stamford Bridge next in the Premier League, to battle against London rivals Chelsea on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
