Declan Rice's feelings on Kai Havertz and Arsenal transfer plans (2024)

Rio Ferdinand has revealed Declan Rice is all in on Kai Havertz leading Arsenal's attack for the foreseeable future.

The German endured some criticism in his debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium but started his second season with a flourish on Saturday. Havertz, 25, scored Arsenal's first against Wolves in the 24th minute before returning the favour to tee up Bukayo Saka for a nerve-settling second later on.

Having started out at Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea playing as an attacking midfielder, Havertz has adapted to his frontman duties over time. But amid ongoing links with a number of more natural striker targets, Ferdinand lifted the lid on how Havertz has the backing of one of Arsenal's key figures to fulfil the role.

“Do you know what, I spoke to Declan Rice the other day, and he spoke about Havertz in such glowing terms," said the Manchester United legend on his official YouTube channel. "Like ‘We don’t need a No9, Havertz is our guy.' The confidence he exuded about Havertz. . .I was like, 'I didn’t know you guys felt like that about him.' But he was like, 'Bro.'"

Ferdinand, 45, discussed Arsenal's tactics with guests Jody Morris and Joleon Lescott, who suggested the entire team would have to change if a more typical No.9 was introduced. Havertz - who has 18 goals in 51 appearances for Germany - offers more than just a direct goal threat, however, and is often critical bringing the likes of Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard into effect.

“He’s a roving, moving centre forward, 10 goals in his last 15 games, so he [did] well at the end of the season," added Ferdinand. "But I’m expecting big things just based on that one conversation with a player that currently plays with him. It’s important when sometimes you hear, they see every day, they see the little details.”

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The Gunners boast more orthodox No.9 options in Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, but the former has struggled with injuries while the latter continues to be linked with an exit. That being said, attackers like Viktor Gyokeres and Ivan Toney are both understood to have been on Arsenal's radar in recent months.

Morris, 45, played devil's advocate by raising Havertz's return in front of goal to pose the question of whether a more natural finisher could serve Arsenal better: "I think if you were to be critical of Kai, you'd probably say that, for someone that does play as a No9, last year was his best return in the league of 14 goals, I think he got?"

There can be no question Mikel Arteta's system appears to be more to Havertz's liking compared to his days at Chelsea, having almost doubled his best league goal tally with the Blues last term. And Arsenal's strength both in midfield and out wide means the most advanced role up front is where the £65million signing is best-suited.

Captain Martin Odegaard is immovable as the team's primary playmaker, as is Rice as one of two pivots often deployed. Saka, 22, also boasts irreplaceable status out on the right wing, while Martinelli and Trossard often rotate duties on the other flank.

Havertz burst onto the scene as a No.10 at Leverkusen, but his versatility has almost hampered his progress at times over the years. Yet, despite any suggestion the north Londoners may be ready to replace the Champions League-winner, there's at least one leader figure in the Arsenal dressing room determined to see him keep his spot.

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