According to Independent journalist Miguel Delaney, Kai Havertz has taken over several of Martin Odegaard’s places and manoeuvres while the Gunners captain has been absent from the training ground. He claimed in his weekly newsletter ‘Reading the Game’ on Friday that one of the reasons the Germany international has been in such good form so far in 2024-25 is his confidence and understanding of his job at Arsenal.

The 25-year-old has six goals in ten games across all competitions this season, and his form in the final third has astounded Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who praised him following the 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday. Bukayo Saka has said that Arsenal players have been impressed with the former Chelsea star’s recent performances and expect him to score a lot of goals this season

Havertz has now scored in seven consecutive games at Emirates Stadium, equal Robin van Persie’s record from the 2011-12 season, and he will be hoping to hit the back of the net when they visit league leaders Liverpool on October 27. The absence of Odegaard looks to have brought out the best in the German, who is frequently filling in for the Norwegian on the pitch, and while this is a good thing, Arsenal will be keen for their skipper to return.

Unfortunately, he has apparently experienced a recurrence and setback in his treatment and is unlikely to return to action until the end of the year. It might be both good and bad news for the Gunners, given his importance to the club, but Havertz is a player who will make Odegaard’s absence less noticeable. The German has proven to be the greatest false 9 in the Premier League in recent months, and he will be eager to demonstrate his ability to help Arsenal win their first title since 2004.