 Mikel Arteta insists it is premature to judge Kai Havertz following the former Chelsea star's slow start to his Arsenal career. Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Sorry, something's gone wrong, please check the email address you've entered Thanks, you should receive your first email soon. Privacy Policy It always appeared that the Gunners boss had taken a gamble by paying £65million for a player who had blown hot and cold during three turbulent years at Stamford Bridge. And it was even more of a risk to deploy the 24-year-old in a midfield role in which Granit Xhaka had excelled last season before his summer departure to Bayer Leverkusen. While he has shown flashes of promise, Arsenal fans had expected more than a return of no goals and no assists from eight indifferent appearances so far, especially considering the other options Arteta has in that position elsewhere in his squad. Emile Smith Rowe gave a timely reminder of his talent, making his first start for the club in 499 days in the midweek Carabao Cup win at Brentford, while Fabio Vieira has also built on an underwhelming first season at the club. Kai Havertz is yet to register a goal involvement for Arsenal(Picture: Getty) Arteta, however, maintains that Havertz is still learning his new position but has shown no signs of lacking in enthusiasm or regretting his decision to join Arsenal. Speaking ahead of Saturday's match at Bournemouth, he said: (I will be) Trying to help him as much as possible, be next to him, give him the tools, give him the confidence and give him the minutes to exploit his talent. 'There are so many parts of his game that he's doing exceptionally well and we know the ones that need to keep improving. 'As always with any players give him support especially when you see a player who does what he does every single day, the way he trains, the way he applies himself. Give him support, give him){kind=link}
Mikel Arteta insists it is premature to judge Kai Havertz following the former Chelsea star’s slow start to his Arsenal career.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
It always appeared that the Gunners boss had taken a gamble by paying £65million for a player who had blown hot and cold during three turbulent years at Stamford Bridge.
And it was even more of a risk to deploy the 24-year-old in a midfield role in which Granit Xhaka had excelled last season before his summer departure to Bayer Leverkusen.
While he has shown flashes of promise, Arsenal fans had expected more than a return of no goals and no assists from eight indifferent appearances so far, especially considering the other options Arteta has in that position elsewhere in his squad.