Arteta Backs Havertz to End Goal Drought in Arsenal’s Forest Clash
Arsenal are set to keep Kai Havertz at centre-forward for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest, with Mikel Arteta maintaining full faith in the German despite his five-game run without a goal.
Havertz, 27, has begun every league match for Arsenal this season. He scored twice across the opening three fixtures before his current dry spell, but Arteta believes a sustained run in the side can take him to 30 goals.
Arteta pointed to Havertz’s movement, decision-making and rapid understanding of tactical instructions as major reasons for his selection. The Arsenal manager also stressed that the forward needs regular matches and repeated involvement in attacking situations to hit that level.
The manager has been encouraged by Havertz’s response after an injury-disrupted previous campaign. Arteta said the striker returned close to his best during pre-season and credited his mentality, adding that he values the player highly.
Gyokeres faces Arsenal uncertainty
Viktor Gyokeres is increasingly frustrated by his limited Premier League role and is seeking a move during the January window. The 28-year-old Sweden international joined Arsenal from Sporting CP in a £60 million deal in 2025 and struck 21 goals in his first season at the club.
Gyokeres has struggled to establish himself as Arteta’s preferred No 9, however, with Havertz repeatedly selected ahead of him. He is understood to feel disconnected from Arsenal’s current approach, while the club’s continuing interest in another leading forward has added to his concerns after their summer move for Julian Alvarez.
He was given an uncommon start against Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday but was withdrawn after the interval without making a decisive impact. Gyokeres is yet to score in seven Arsenal appearances this term, despite netting four times during his latest international matches.
Arteta rejected suggestions that the striker’s attitude had suffered. He said Gyokeres continues to show determination, hard work and a desire to improve every day, whether he starts, comes off the bench or finds the net.
The Arsenal boss added that the club are working to support Gyokeres, insisting the margins around a forward’s form are small and that one goal can quickly alter the perception of a player.
What happens next
Havertz will aim to end his scoreless sequence at the City Ground as Arsenal return to domestic action amid a packed schedule. Behind the scenes, the club face a significant January decision if Gyokeres continues to push for an exit.
European clubs are monitoring the Swede’s situation, and a winter departure could suit both parties. Any sale would also give Arsenal funds to revisit plans for further attacking recruitment.
