Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed forward Kai Havertz to score 30 goals in a season. The German scored 14 goals in his first season in 2023 for the Gunners, whereas he netted 15 goals in the following campaign.
However, Havertz was troubled by hamstring and knee injuries, which limited his game time for the club. The striker played only 24 games in the previous season across all competitions and could only score seven goals.
“He has that ability,” Arteta said. “That is why he is playing there as well, and that is why we signed him.
“He needs that volume of games and actions, and if you give him that, I am a big believer that yes, he can do it.
“His football IQ is something else. He understands everything at such speed, and he can break down information better probably than anyone else on the team.
“That’s something that’s not easy to say especially when we talk about a striker. He was out for a long period of time last season and to get back at the highest level is not easy and it can take time.
“But Kai has done it almost immediately from pre-season and I’m not surprised because his mentality is top. I value him a lot.”
Meanwhile, Gyökeres is yet to find the back of the net in his seven games this season for Arsenal.
“That’s a very personal question,” Arteta said, when asked if Gyökeres, who struck 21 times in his debut campaign for the Gunners, is low on confidence.
“What he transmits to me is an incredible will and determination and work-rate to improve and help the team.
“That’s Viktor every single day, regardless of his position, whether he scores a goal or not, and that’s why he’s always an option to play.
“We are trying to help him as much as possible. He has some very good moments, but it’s very small margins, and scoring, or not scoring, changes the narrative.”
Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
