Mikel Arteta hails 24-year-old Arsenal player who’s ‘loved by everyone here’

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sung Kai Havertz’s praises in wake of the 24-year-old’s upturn in form.

The Gunners boss, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, says Havertz is “loved by everyone” at N5 and has a great attitude.

It has taken Havertz a little while to find his feet at Arsenal following his summer move, but now he’s settled in the team and firing on all cylinders.

When the Gunners signed the 24-year-old from Chelsea, he was lacking in confidence. But now, the £65million man is well and truly flying.

Last time out, Havertz registered his eighth goal of the season and also picked up an assist as Arsenal won 6-0 at Sheffield United.

Arteta, speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Brentford, suggested he never had any qualms about the player’s qualities.

“It speaks about his character and how he has dealt with question marks,” BBC Sport quoted the Arsenal boss as saying.

“He has a great attitude. He has always worked hard and is loved by everyone here.

“His ability to occupy space and to work in transitions is what we want. The aggression he has in high presses is important too.”

Kai Havertz upturn in form helps Arsenal surge back into Premier League title contention

Havertz is now back to the levels he showed at Bayer Leverkusen that made him one of the most highly sought-after players in world football.

Things didn’t quite go to plan at Chelsea, and it took him a while to blow off the cobwebs following his move to Arsenal. But now, things are going swimmingly.

Havertz’s efforts have helped the Gunners surge back into title contention after wobbling during the festive period. They’ve won their last eight in the league and have been scoring plenty too.

Arsenal are currently in a three-way race for the title, and next week they’ll also try to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their Champions League last-16 tie against Porto.