Arsenal can give Kai Havertz exactly what he wants with Gabriel Jesus sidelined

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Arsenal newcomer Kai Havertz is sick of questions over his best position. Talk of where manager Mikel Arteta will play him on the opening day of the season is only set to ramp up, however, with Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury throwing the cat amongst the pigeons in the Gunners’ starting XI.

Upon ditching Chelsea for Arsenal, many expected Havertz to draw a line under his time spent as a central striker and hone his craft in a deeper role. Arteta has used the German in the middle of the park during pre-season and he is listed as a midfielder on the club’s website.

A devastating injury blow could yet force a change of plans. Jesus underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and Arteta has confirmed that he will miss the start of the season.

While Eddie Nketiah is expected to step up and take the Brazilian’s place up top – as he did successfully last season – Arsenal being left a man light is also likely to boost Havertz’s chances of playing minutes as a striker.

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Gunners fans may be wary of using Havertz as a focal point, given his modest record at Chelsea. The 24-year-old managed 32 goals in 139 matches for the Blues, with his finishing often leaving plenty to be desired.

But moving Havertz further forward would at least give the player what he wants. After rolling his eyes last year at a question on where he is at his best, the Germany international explained: “Everyone asks this question and after three years, everyone should know by now what I can do.

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“I’m flexible up front and I can play a lot of different positions. Of course, sometimes it’s good to play in different positions and sometimes it’s bad, but in general I’m an offensive player. I like to be in the box, I like to score goals, I like to arrive in the box often and I don’t care if I’m there as a No 9 or a No 10. If I’m in the box, I’m there to score goals – and that’s it.”

Arteta’s plan to limit the damage without Jesus will be revealed in Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City at Wembley.

Nketiah managed eight goals in 17 starts last term and he is expected to be Jesus’ primary understudy this campaign. Versatile forwards Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli can also play up top.

One player who won’t get a look in, however, is Folarin Balogun. Arteta has already clarified that Jesus’ forthcoming spell on the sidelines doesn’t change the exit-bound striker’s plans, with Inter Milan set to launch a concrete bid in the coming days.

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