Kai Havertz now shares what Mikel Arteta told him while he was struggling at Arsenal this season

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Kai Havertz has shared what Mikel Arteta told him while he was struggling earlier in the season after joining Arsenal. 

The German midfielder’s form came under plenty of scrutiny after his big-money switch from Chelsea over the summer.

Arsenal splashed £65 million to land Kai Havertz after a largely underwhelming spell in West London. But after netting just once in his first 12 league games for the club, he’s bagged three in his last five. 

And the German has admitted that Mikel Arteta was a reassuring presence behind the scenes after a tough start.

Havertz shares what Arteta told him after early-season struggles

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Havertz claims that Arteta insisted he will be given time to adapt to a new system at Arsenal.

“It was made clear to me from the beginning that everyone would give me the time to fit in well,” he said. “That just made me feel good.

“And even after two or three bad games, the coach came to me and said: ‘Hey, everything is fine, soon something will click and then it will happen.’ And then the moment came.” 

It was always going to take at least a few games for Havertz to find his feet at Arsenal.

The German has mainly played in an advanced role during his time at Chelsea, often filling in as a striker.

He operated in an advanced midfield role during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. But playing in a midfield three under Arteta requires different attributes.

Despite a rocky start, Havertz is beginning to show why Arteta was desperate to bring him to North London over the summer.

And Arteta’s patient approach with the midfielder has clearly paid off as he’s nailed down his place in the side for the time being.