Mikel Arteta given perfect response to Arsenal striker problem ahead of January transfer window

Kai Havertz played in yet another role for Julian Nagelsmann's Germany team as they thrashed Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 much thanks to the Arsenal man’s contributions. Typically a centre-forward for the Gunners, he played instead behind Borussia Monchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst who got two goals himself on the night.

Havertz chipped in with the third goal of the evening combining excellently with Florian Wirtz for what could be described easily as an Arsenal-esque goal. Slick passing and movement before a comfortable finish.

He also help set up Wirtz himself for the German fourth of the night, sending a low ball across the face to the Bayer Leverkusen star. He would then flick the ball in over the top for Leroy Sane to take a wonderful touch before again scoring perhaps the goal of the night – although Wirtz’s free-kick was special.

For Arsenal Havertz has faced plenty of scrutiny despite being the top scorer this season. The Gunners have been suffering with their form and are not the free-scoring side of the previous campaign which sees them sink nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

This has led to calls for the club to go into the January transfer market to land the necessary firepower to change their fortunes. Both Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have been linked with the club but a move this winter remains unlikely.

Havertz performing to such a level though for his national side will certainly send a message to Mikel Arteta of his readiness and form. Equally, the positioning in midfield opens up the potential for Havertz to play with a striker signing if and when it happens.

While he has been scrutinised when used in the role before, his usefulness goes well beyond a single role in the team and this was why Arteta signed him. "He's gained the confidence and the respect of everybody in the way he handles certain situations and in the way he's performing,” Arteta said in August after he scored in the opening-day win against Nottingham Forest.

Havertz would go on a fine run of scoring in north London. Granted he needs to expand this and become more prolific to silence the doubters and quieten the voices claiming he should be replaced, but it is not as if he hasn’t shown anything to the contrary.

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