‘I just don’t know’: Ex-Gunner Gibbs doesn’t like transfer move from Arsenal
Former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs has admitted he is not too sure about the quality that Mikel Arteta’s latest signing can bring to the Emirates stadium.
After weeks of rumours following the end of the season, the Gunners finally announced the arrival of Kai Havertz on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old had a season to forget at Chelsea last term, as the Blues failed to finish in the top half of the Premier League table.
Somehow, Havertz was the subject of a big-money switch to north London this week, joining the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal’s youthful attack.
The expensive price of Havertz’s move has sparked a debate amongst many over whether the Gunners have secured a sensible deal or a potential flop.
And for former Arsenal star Kieran Gibbs, there is not enough evidence to suggest the German, who scored nine goals last term, is a useful signing by Arteta.
“I don’t know with this one, honestly. $70 million is a signature signing. For $70 million, I want a player that when things are going bad, he’s the one to put the team on his back and say ‘dont worry boys, I got this’. That’s what $70 million to me brings.” he said on ESPN FC
“And I will be honest, at first sight, I don’t see it (in Havertz). ”
Gibbs added that the Germany international will have to follow the footsteps of other players who left Chelsea in the past with an underwhelming reputation but turned around their careers later on. Nonetheless, his expectations of Havertz at the moment are very low.
“I love it when players go and prove people wrong, I loved seeing De Bruyne and how he evolved after leaving Chelsea and Salah as well, but (Havertz) right now I don’t see it.” the ex-Gunner said
It remains anyone’s guess where Arteta plans to deploy Havertz in his starting line-up. And Gibbs believes Arsenal’s new signing might be the wrong fit for the number 8 position in midfield that some are expecting him to occupy.
“That role he is going to play is obviously a replacement for Xhaka and I don’t know if he’s got the physical or technical ability for it. The midfield players we know of Arsenal over years and years, a majority of them had that; Cazorla, Wilshere, Ozil, Fabregas, Song, Rosicky, the list goes on.
“And with Havertz, I just don’t know if I can see that in him yet” he concluded
Havertz is already the second player Arsenal have signed from London rivals Chelsea so far in 2023, after the addition of Jorginho back in January.
Do you agree with Gibbs’ stance that the new signing is unlikely to be a hit?
Share your thoughts below…
I have full faith in Michael Arteta ,he is a good people developer and I know he will produce the best out of Harvetz.
I agree with Gidds
I trust in the manager as he knows what he wants and knows what he’s looking at. If he wants the Ayer he has a plan!
I agree with Gibbs
“Trust the Process”
Gibbs just put your trust in Arteta he is our driver he knows better than us i think and more so Kai is a fantastic play so please don’t judge
What plan ,since he took over from unai emery he is just waisting money buying players and sending on loans . Even one that came meet them bring out their quality and even sack most of them. This season if he did not win any trophy with players he need to be sacked period.
It seems you’ll turn to Arsenal board now.
Just watch how good he will become. He is a class player.
Gibbs don’t panic I know you are a former player fo us Gunner supporters we read the game better than ex players because we follow the game more seriously and my experience watching Arsenal is from 1978.
Same way they all talked down Aaron Ramsdale.
Trust the process.
Let Arteta do his job. He’s the manager and not Gibbs. Let’s trust the process and allow him to do him job. The process started like 3 years ago so it still continues. COYG ❤️
Lets keep our fingers crossed if he didnt perform we will thank u if he perform u are going to eat ur words n apologies to kai Harvert as simple as that