Bukayo Saka told to ‘move over’ as Arsenal star who can easily ‘do everything’ has been named as Mikel Arteta’s Most Important player
Bukayo Saka, long considered Arsenal’s most vital player, now faces competition for that title from Kai Havertz, according to recent punditry.
Havertz, who joined from Chelsea in July 2023, has had a sensational start to the season, with five goals and one assist in nine appearances across all competitions.
His performances have drawn widespread praise, notably from Darren Bent, the former Tottenham striker and Arsenal fan, who believes Havertz has become indispensable to Mikel Arteta’s team.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Bent suggested that Havertz might now be Arsenal’s most important player, even ahead of Saka, who has been a key figure in the Gunners’ resurgence in recent years.
“There’s an argument now that he’s Arsenal’s most important player – and that includes Saka,” Bent remarked.
The versatility of Havertz, who can operate in multiple roles, has been a key asset for Arteta.
Bent elaborated: “He can play in a number of positions, as a No 9, a No 8, he’s comfortable in possession. He scores goals, he’s brave.
“The most league goals he ever got for Chelsea in a season was eight, and the most assists he got in a season was three. He got 13 [for Arsenal] last season, seven assists, and he’s just scored in three games on the bounce.”
Bent also praised Havertz’s physical presence and ability to play a crucial role in Arsenal’s build-up play.
“That’s what I like about him for Arsenal. When Arsenal try and play it out from the back, there are times when the press is on and you can’t do it, but you can clip the ball to him. He takes it on his chest, battles for it, wins the header, and brings others into play.” He added: “His ability is not limited to just scoring goals, he can do everything.”
Havertz’s move from Chelsea to Arsenal was met with some scepticism at the time. Although he had scored the decisive goal in Chelsea’s Champions League final victory, he struggled to meet the high expectations during his stint at Stamford Bridge.
Nevertheless, Arsenal invested £65 million in the German international, and it is a decision that now seems to be paying dividends. Under Arteta, Havertz has developed into a pivotal figure, both as a goalscorer and as a facilitator for other key players, such as Saka and Martin Odegaard.
While Havertz had previously been deployed as a central attacking midfielder for much of his career, Arteta has utilised him in a more advanced role, and he has now taken over from Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal’s primary No.9.
This shift in positioning has allowed Havertz to showcase his versatility and tactical intelligence, enhancing his contribution to the team’s overall play.
Although Arsenal are expected to sign a new striker next year – with Lille’s Jonathan David reportedly on their radar – Havertz’s form suggests he will remain a regular in the side even if a new forward is added to the squad.
Meanwhile, transfer speculation continues to swirl around other members of the Arsenal squad, with recent rumours linking defender William Saliba to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, respected transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has dismissed such claims, stating that there has been no approach from the French giants for the centre-back.
Romano commented: “Although William Saliba will always be appreciated because of his immense talent, there’s nothing in a rumour that Paris Saint-Germain could make a big offer for his services at this stage. There has been no approach from PSG, no proposal, no talks.”
He added that Saliba is content with life at Arsenal: “He’s very happy at Arsenal, and there’s nothing ongoing with any club – no idea where these PSG stories are coming from.”
While Saliba looks set to remain at the Emirates, fellow defender Jakub Kiwior’s future is less certain.
Reports from TBR Football suggest that Kiwior is expected to leave Arsenal in 2025 in search of regular first-team football.
