In Focus: Can Martinelli Hav a bright future alongside Kai?

The signing of Kai Havertz has further strengthened Arsenal's attacking options. 

With a fully-fit Gabriel Jesus leading the line and Bukayo Saka set for another productive campaign, Mikel Arteta is spoilt for choice. 

But the Gunners boss could also be faced with a dilemma. 

With Jesus and Saka almost certain to start and Martin Odegaard providing creativity in midfield, we ask where Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli fit into the starting XI.

Finding the balance

Arteta may choose to utilise Havertz in midfield alongside Odegaard with Declan Rice holding, which would allow 22-year-old Martinelli to continue on the left of the front three. 

But if that does not provide the right balance, Havertz may be pushed forward to become part of the attacking trio. 

That could mean a decision has to be made between Havertz, 24, and Martinelli — an unenviable situation for Arteta.

Contrasting seasons

Martinelli certainly enjoyed the more fruitful 2022-23 season of the two.

He scored more than twice as many Premier League goals — 15 to the German's seven — and recorded five assists to Havertz's one. 

The latter was playing in a struggling Chelsea side and operating in an unfamiliar No9 role. 

But in nearly all key attacking metrics, Martinelli came out on top — on a per-game basis he created more chances (1.89 to 1.33), completed more final third passes (14.31 to 11.52) and also missed fewer big chances (six to 14). 

Notably, Havertz’s xG of 11.6 was higher than Martinelli’s (9.33), a clear indication of the former Blues man's lack of composure in front of goal.

Target man

Havertz does have one significant advantage over Martinelli — height. 

The Germany international won 79 aerial duels last season and Arteta has hinted at potentially using the summer signing as a focal point in attack. 

He said: "He gives us something different. His height, for example, where he can be a target man if we need to beat the press. 

"I'm sure throughout the season he’ll be used in different positions." 

That versatility may have been what initially attracted Arteta to Havertz, who could act as a facilitator for the likes of Jesus, Saka and Martinelli.

Rotation

Havertz may find himself in and out of the team, allowing Martinelli to keep his place. 

Arsenal now have the squad depth required to rotate more often, something they were unable to do last term while competing in several competitions.

With more options, Arteta can keep his squad fresh — just as Pep Guardiola did at Manchester City in last season's Premier League title race. 

That should mean an even more productive season for Martinelli and the opportunity for Havertz to find a role that fits.