Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe has, on Saturday, provided his take on the arrival of Kai Havertz at the club, and what it will mean for his own prospects moving forward.
The name of German international Havertz has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines on the red half of north London over the course of the last week.
This comes after long-standing speculation surrounding the future of the Chelsea star was finally put to bed, upon Havertz putting pen to paper on terms with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
What does the arrival of the 24-year-old mean, though, for the Gunners’ current crop of attacking stars?
Arteta’s front-three, of course, all but picked itself this past season, with Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, when fit, in from the off on a weekly basis.
Behind them came the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, and January addition Leandro Trossard.
If the latest comments on the part of the 22-year-old himself are anything to go by, though, then ESR appears very much up to the challenge.
Speaking in an interview with the Sun whilst on international duty with England’s U21s this weekend, Arsenal’s gifted academy product was drawn on Havertz’s arrival at The Emirates.
And, after first hailing the work done by Arsenal’s transfer chiefs, Smith Rowe went on to confirm his intention to ‘keep fighting’ for his place in boss Arteta’s plans:
“I see what happens and obviously it’s good for the club to add strength to the team. I feel like the additions we’re making are going to really help the team progress again. It’s really exciting so hopefully we can go one step further next season.
“Of course (it is extra competition with Havertz arrival), but this is football. You’ve just got to get on with it. I’ve got to keep working hard and it’s healthy competition. I’ve got to keep fighting.
“I did see a lot of talk about my position but I’m not really sure what they think. I’m happy to play anywhere. Maybe it is inside, maybe it’s wide. I’ll be having that conversation when I get back.”
Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe responds to Kai Havertz signing with simple messagehttps://t.co/76B8GdcALn pic.twitter.com/xa1hSoXzj3
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 1, 2023
Why Declan Rice may have to change shirt number at Arsenal
Where does Dominik Szoboszlai rank in Liverpool’s all time most expensive signings?
