MIKEL ARTETA has defended Arsenal’s shock swoop for Kai Havertz – insisting the German is worth every penny.
The Gunners are on the verge of completing a £65million deal for the Chelsea midfielder, who is being let go as part of the Blues’ bid to balance the books.
Havertz’s imminent and pricey move to North London has shocked the Emirates faithful, but Arteta insists: “Talent comes at a price, and at Arsenal, we are always interested in youngsters with experience.
“I repeat, I’m not talking about players from other clubs, but in the case of Kai he has already shown a lot, including in the Champions League.
“He is a talented player, versatile and only 24 years old.”
Arteta will be hoping the addition of Havertz will help Arsenal get over the Premier League finish line next season.
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The North Londoners surrendered a nine-point lead to Treble winners Manchester City, dropping them during a disastrous three-week period in April.
Arteta, 41, told: “It still hurts me deeply not having won the Premier after spending ten months fighting with City.
“But that’s the sport. That said, what has been achieved with such a young team is worthwhile. That is clear to me too.
“Those three draws in a row penalised us, and all the misfortunes that happened.
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“There were three or four injuries to important players and from there, everything got complicated.
“When we had the full team, we were consistent. As soon as problems came, we couldn’t be consistent.
“And then our rival was the best team in the world, the best squad in the world, the best coach in the world.
“We had no choice but to accept it and shake hands with the champion.”
Arteta is confident of ending Arsenal’s 20-year wait for Prem glory, telling Marca: “That is our ambition.
“We know the difficulty, it is the best league in the world and next season is going to be the most difficult league in history.
“Why? Last year it already was. I’ve been here for 22 years and I’ve never seen a competitive level like that.
“So much quality, so much organization, so many resources, such good coaches.
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“And now [Mauricio] Pochettino and [Andoni] Iraola have arrived.
“The level is that and to win the Premier you must be the best. That is why we have to strengthen.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
