When Kai Havertz joined Chelsea in September 2020, it was billed as a transformative signing. Here was a 21-year-old with all the attributes and potential to be a generational superstar; a player who, still in the infancy of his career, scored 18 and 20 goals in his previous two seasons for Bayer Leverkusen operating predominantly as a second striker or No 10.
Such was the hype surrounding Havertz that he was expected to join Real Madrid, only for financial constraints brought on by the pandemic to open the door for Chelsea to swoop in and complete a £62 million deal.
“Kai is one of the best players of his age in world football, so we are very happy that his future lies at Chelsea,” then Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said in Havertz's announcement statement.
And yet, just three years later, Havertz's future lies not with Chelsea but at their rivals Arsenal. The Premier League runners-up will, barring any unexpected last-minute hiccups, announce the 24-year-old Germany international as their first signing of the summer this week.
Chelsea may recoup the transfer fee they paid for Havertz – a key reason behind their willingness to sell as the club aims to balance the books after a record-breaking, £530 million spent on new players during the past year – but there can be no disputing that the German's talents were frustratingly wasted at Stamford Bridge.
There were various contributing factors to his largely underwhelming debut season; from requiring time to adapt and struggling with the after-effects of contracting Covid-19, to then manager Frank Lampard's failure to fit Havertz into his system. Still, it was salvaged by scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City.
Expectations were markedly higher for Havertz's second season. Under an elite manager in Thomas Tuchel and with the arrival of Romelu Lukaku to provide Chelsea a focal point in attack, the German should have been deployed in his preferred role as a second striker, providing creativity and goals in support of his new Belgian teammate.
Instead, an injury to Lukaku followed by an ugly fallout between player and manager saw the striker demoted to the bench, the lack of other attacking options forcing Havertz to fill in up front. He did a decent job, registering 14 goals in all competitions, but it was clear his technical and creative talents were being underutilised.
Chelsea 2022/23 season ratings
-
CHELSEA 2022/23 SEASON RATINGS: Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6. After starting the season on the bench, he made the No 1 jersey his own with an excellent run of form. Performances tailed off as Chelsea's season unravelled, and while Kepa didn't do much wrong, he hardly saved his team either. Getty. -
Edouard Mendy - 5. A shaky start to the season saw Mendy dropped to the bench, while a long-term shoulder injury prevented the Senegalese stopper from trying to reclaim his place. Returned to the squad in April and hardly to blame for Chelsea's demise. Getty -
Trevoh Chalobah - 6. Effort and dedication can't be faulted but the Academy graduate looked out of his depth at times. Should be used as a reliable squad player next season. Getty -
Kalidou Koulibaly - 5. The Senegalese defender veered from commanding to comical - sometimes in the same game. Whether this was a first-season adjustment period or if Koulibaly is on the decline, it will be interesting to see if we get to find out or if the former Napoli star will depart. Getty -
Benoit Badiashile - 7. The 22-year-old January signing looked good in the appearances he was afforded, and should be given a much bigger role next season. Reuters -
Wesley Fofana - 5. Arrived with a massive price tag and to huge excitement last summer, the French defender's season was one blighted by injury. When Fofana returned to the team, he looked off the pace and struggled for form. One of many players who should benefit from a reset ahead of the new season. Getty -
Thiago Silva - 7. At 39 years old, the Brazilian is still Chelsea's best central defender. Called upon to play more games than was probably initially planned as the season unravelled. Still classy but it became increasingly clear he's now best in the middle of a back three. Will be a huge leader next season as Chelsea attempt to pick up the pieces. Getty -
Marc Cucurella - 3. The poster boy for Chelsea's reckless and thoughtless transfer strategy. The Spanish fullback can't be accused of a lack of effort but looked well short of the £60m the Blues paid Brighton for his services. Expected to leave in a cut-price deal this summer. Reuters -
Ben Chilwell - 6. A season severely disrupted by injury, Chilwell's various absences hit Chelsea hard. Ended the season with another injury, and will hope to fully recover to hit the ground running after the summer. AFP -
Lewis Hall - 7. The youngster's emergence was both a promising sign for Chelsea's future and symbolic of a disastrous transfer policy that saw Cucurella signed for £60m when Hall proved to be more than capable at left-back. Full of energy and enthusiasm and impactful going forward. Work to do defensively but he's only 18. Getty -
Reece James - 6. Limited to just 24 appearances in all competitions, James' worrying injury record extended into another season. No coincidence that Chelsea's alarming slump began when he was first sidelined. Getty -
Cesar Azpilicueta - 5. As committed and professional as ever but respectfully, the captain's legs went this season. Sustained a nasty concussion which did not help his cause. If he remains beyond the summer, the Spaniard should be used very much as a dressing room influence. Reuters -
Enzo Fernandez - 7. The Argentine midfielder arrived in January fresh off a World Cup triumph and with a reputation as one of the brightest stars in world football. Showed moments of quality during a difficult spell for Chelsea, and will be a major player next season. Reuters -
N'Golo Kante - 6. Another important player hit by injury for much of the season, the French midfielder's quality and energy were sorely missed. Typically lively when he made his return to the team. His future needs to be resolved. Getty -
Denis Zakaria - 5. On loan from Juventus, the Swiss midfielder was not really part of any of the three managers' plans this season, although did OK when given games. EPA -
Conor Gallagher - 7. Endured a disastrous start to the season but improved as the campaign wore on when he was given more game time. Provided plenty of energy and was a greater goal threat than many of Chelsea's forward players. With the likes of Kante and Kovacic - and even Mount - potentially leaving, Gallagher could have a key role next season. EPA -
Mateo Kovacic - 6. The Croatian has been superb throughout his Chelsea career but there was a noticeable drop off this season. Still helped the Blues control possession for most games but the cut and thrust that make Kovacic such an influential midfielder were not quite at the same level. Big question marks about his future. EPA -
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 5. Very much a squad player who struggled to make his mark this season. The Academy graduate is reportedly the subject of interest from AC Milan and could be part of the expected mass exodus. AFP -
Carney Chukwuemeka - 6. The teenager signed from Aston Villa last summer was limited in his appearances but looks an exciting talent. AFP -
Mason Mount - 4. Having emerged as arguably Chelsea's best player the previous two seasons, this was a significant setback. Injuries played a part but three goals in 35 appearances was hugely disappointing. Confidence looked shot by the time his campaign ended prematurely. Despite the poor season, Chelsea will hope to resolve his future to prevent a potentially damaging move to a rival. PA -
Kai Havertz - 6. Chelsea's leading goalscorer this season but with nine in all competitions, that isn't saying much. The German is an outrageously talented player but was again the victim of Chelsea's failure to sign a recognised striker. Will the next manager finally play Havertz at No 10 before it's too late and he leaves? Reuters -
Mykhaylo Mudryk - 5. After Chelsea beat Arsenal to the Ukrainian's signature and he enjoyed a blistering cameo, the hype only increased. That's about as good as it got for Mudryk in his first half season. Blessed with extreme pace but still a raw talent, Mudryk should kick on next season. Getty -
Christian Pulisic - 4. A knee injury hardly helped but the American was ineffective before and after. A single goal in 29 appearances is nowhere near good enough. Could be another to exit Stamford Bridge this summer. AFP -
Raheem Sterling - 4. Signed as an oven-ready solution to help solve Chelsea's goalscoring woes, Sterling was a shadow of the prolific Manchester City player. Scored nine goals in 37 appearances and generally posed little threat when on the ball. Can still be an important player next season. Getty -
Noni Madueke - 7. Part of the mad January transfer splurge, Madueke is another exciting young talent who showed glimpses of his potential. Should contribute plenty more next season. PA -
Hakim Ziyech - 5. Became a peripheral player and almost left on loan to PSG in January, only for the classic fax machine mishap to occur. The Moroccan, who was superb at the World Cup, is a talented player but it's not quite happened at Chelsea. Surely on the move. PA -
Joao Felix - 8. A rare bright spark in a bleak season for Chelsea, despite getting sent off on his debut and his loan fee hardly making financial sense. It was a scandal that Felix wasn't a regular starter during Lampard's brief, and disastrous, spell in charge as the Portuguese was the one attacking player who consistently created chances and scored a few goals. Unlikely to remain beyond this season. AFP -
Armando Broja - 5. The Academy graduate loooked like he could have been a useful squad option but his season was cut short after a cruciate injury during a mid-season friendly in Abu Dhabi. Getty -
David Datro Fofana - 6. A lively debut, after arriving in January, raised hopes Chelsea might have a exciting new striker on their hands. Except he barely played after that. Looks a talent, though. PA -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 2. A return of three goals in 22 appearances marked a miserable return to the Premier League for the former Arsenal captain. Shot of confidence and sharpness, Aubameyang appears destined for the exit. EPA -
Thomas Tuchel - 6. Oversaw the opening weeks of the season when Chelsea struggled for form. Still, his exit was an enormous shock and the season continued to unravel from there. Has since pitched up at Bayern Munich and won the Budesliga. EPA -
Graham Potter - 3. Perhaps it was the wrong man in the wrong job at the wrong time, but Potter hardly helped his cause either. After an encouraging start, quickly looked out of his depth when results went south, and was sacked after winning just 12 of his 31 games in charge. Reuters -
Frank Lampard - 1. Granted, he inherited a mess but the return of Chelsea's greatest player to the dugout failed to inspire a turnaround. Lost his first six matches in interim charge, his team selection was muddled, and he admitted himself he didn't know how or where to play Joao Felix, so he didn't. Which is unforgivable. Where Lampard goes from here is anyone's guess. Getty
Then came the utterly disastrous third campaign. Once again, Havertz was shunted into the striker role as Chelsea set about signing 16 new players for more than half-a-billion pounds but somehow forgot to recruit a centre forward. Havertz scored just nine goals as he, and the rest of the Chelsea squad, contributed to a historically bad season for the club.
Such a financial outlay has backed Chelsea into a corner, particularly after missing out on Champions League riches, and it was inevitable one or two prized assets would leave this summer – in addition to the task of trimming a hugely bloated squad.
Mason Mount, whom just a year ago seemed destined to spend the best years of his career at his boyhood club, is the other notable player, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich both interested in the England midfielder.
As Havertz escapes the chaos at Stamford Bridge, he will find a much more stable environment at an Arsenal on a clear upwards trajectory. He will swap an unbalanced, inflated squad for a well-oiled machine filled with exciting young talent all pulling in the same direction and led by one of the best young managers in Europe.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has an excellent track record in the transfer market as the Spaniard continues to build a squad in his image, and plenty of thought would have gone into where Havertz will fit into his plans.
Arsenal 2022/23 season ratings
-
ARSENAL SEASONS RATINGS: Mikel Arteta 8 – This season he's shown he is capable of moulding a young team that can produce some of the best football since Arsene Wenger's peak. Getty -
Aaron Ramsdale 9 – Made a few mistakes this season but he's undoubtedly one of England's best goalkeepers who has performed superbly throughout the season. Getty Images -
Ben White 8 – After making his move to right-back, White proved himself to be one of Arsenal's most consistent players. Getty Images -
Kieran Tierney 5 – Quite absent this season but he offers something different to some of his teammates. Just a shame that he's fallen out of favour with Arteta. Getty Images -
Gabriel Magalhaes 7: He’s had the most appearances this season but wasn’t quite so forthcoming with his assists. That said, he’s one of Arteta’s most favoured defenders and has stepped up to sort out Arsenal’s centre-back problem alongside Salib. Getty Images -
William Saliba 9 – Arguably one of the best defenders in the Premier League. His debut season in England has been nothing short of incredible, and he's only just beginning. EPA -
Rob Holding 1 – Lacks confidence on the pitch, especially when substituted to replace Saliba at the back end of the season. AP -
Jakub Kiwior 8 – When given the opportunity to play, he's shown his potential and why he deserves a place in the team. AFP -
Takehiro Tomiyasu 5 – Sadly plagued with injuries but proves his talent when on the pitch and at full fitness. PA -
Oleksandr Zinchenko 9 – The Ukraine international has shown why he deserves to represent the Gunners after a stellar season of top-tier defending. Photo: AFP -
Thomas Partey 7 – When he's off the pitch, Arsenal crumble. But when he's on the pitch, magic happens. His ability to incept quickly and hand the ball over makes him one of the Gunners' most dangerous players. Getty Images Getty Images -
Jorginho 6: Both on the pitch and in the dressing room, Jorginho has been a team player. Despite the controversy when he was signed, his performance throughout the winter was decent. Getty Images -
Granit Xhaka 6: This may be his final season with Arsenal, but Xhaka has been a valuable player for the Gunners. If he does get moved on this summer, he'll leave a decent legacy behind him. PA -
Fabio Viera 4: He's not had the best of seasons thanks to his lack of physicality but there's hope for the Portuguese midfielder. But with enough coaching from Arteta and more opportunities on the pitch, there's still a chance he can show what he's truly capable of. Getty Images -
Martin Odegaard 8: He's undoubtedly one of the Gunners' most valuable players and had a standout season. With 15 goals and eight assists, the Norwegian playmaker has contributed to the team with his passion, drive and determination. Getty Images -
Mohamed Elneny 3: A disappointing campaign for Elneny after being sidelined with a knee injury in January during training. But it's not all doom and gloom. Arsenal handed him a new year-long contract. PA -
Emile Smith Rowe 2: He hasn't started a single game this season thanks to persistent injuries. EPA -
Bukayo Saka 9: An outstanding season. For a players so young, Saka has proved himself as a dangerous player. EPA -
Reiss Nelson 7: A valuable member of the team, his performance against Bournemouth was outstanding and one he must repeat consistently going forward if he wants to show off his true potential next season. Getty Images -
Gabriel Martinelli 9: His excellent dribbling and attacking prowess has given Martinelli the confidence on the pitch Arsenal fans have been wanting to see for a while. Getty Images -
Gabriel Jesus 6: His lazy play has been detrimental to Arsenal this season, but his determination and excellent team play have benefitted Arteta's men. Getty Images -
Eddie Nketiah 4: He started off well but seemed to fall back as the season continued. He'll need to step up his game next season. Getty Images -
Leandro Trossard 7: As a newcomer to Arsenal's front three, Trossard has proved that he has been worth the investment and one of the best signings of the January transfer window. With 10 assists under his belt already, he has a lot to offer to the team. Getty Images
The German's versatility will come in useful as the Gunners return to the Champions League but expect him to be deployed mainly where his strengths are best utilised, operating behind the main striker.
Arteta could even view Havertz as a No 8, similar to the way Antoine Griezmann was used so effectively by France at the World Cup. He certainly has the intelligence and passing ability to excel in a deeper midfield role.
However it plays out, Havertz looks an ideal fit for Arsenal and Arteta, who should be able to help the German realise his monster potential.
Chelsea have been here many times before, regardless of manager, ownership or club structure. Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah – the Premier League's two best players for much of the past five years – were both discarded earlier in their careers, while Academy graduate Fikayo Tomori left to win Serie A with AC Milan.
Lukaku, for all the issues during his second spell, was sold for £28m to Everton, scored loads of goals, won the title in Italy with Inter Milan either side of a mixed spell at Manchester United, and returned for £97.5m.
There should be no surprises if Havertz becomes the latest in a long line of ones who got away.
