Arsenal told Havertz is their new Van Persie after beating Man City

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Bacary Sagna believes Kai Havertz can become Arsenal’s new Robin Van Persie. The former Gunners’ full-back was impressed by Havertz’s hold-up play during the Community Shield against Manchester City but insists Mikel Arteta still needs to sign another No 9 to ensure they don’t drop off at the back end of the year like they did last season.

Arsenal had an eight-point lead over Man City in January but were plagued by injuries down the home straight as the reigning champions pipped them to top spot. A lack of depth in the side proved to be the ultimate decider and Sagna feels the inclusion of a “proper No 9” would combat that.

Speaking to Paddy Power, he said: “Kai Havertz played well in the number nine [against Man City], especially against big defenders. I was expecting him to suffer physically, but he’s a clever player.

“He’s like Robin van Persie in the way he uses his body, he can cross and he’s technically very good. He could have scored but he created lots of chances, which is a positive. Arsenal still need a proper number nine though.

“If Arsenal can get another striker in, it would be a great strength. Their injuries towards the end of last season really hurt them whereas Manchester City had an amazing bench and could replace any player easily.

“Arsenal suffered when William Saliba was injured last season, and Gabriel Jesus missed quite a few games too and he could have made the difference last season, we don’t know.

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“Arsenal need a big squad if they want to be Champions this season and their lack of freshness towards the end of last season really hurt them.

“They couldn’t replace Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka when they were tired. Leandro Trossard came in and was brilliant, but Arsenal still need more players like him so they can give their squad a rest.”

Havertz was initially signed to play in Granit Xhaka’s old box-to-box role but can play anywhere across the front three as well. Last season, at Chelsea, he was deployed as a No 9 but only managed to bag himself 9 goals and an assist in a very disappointing season for the entire squad. With Gabriel Jesus out injured, Arsenal lack depth up top and may need to line up with Havertz down the middle until the Brazilian is back fit again.

Arsenal’s new kit for 2023/2024 is a stylish twist on a classic as it reinvents that mid-1990s vibe. A truly modern-looking shirt with a homage to the past, the Nike kit also includes a nod to the club’s iconic Invincible’s side in the finer details while catching the eye with the lightning bolt motif

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