(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Tue 21 April 2026 17:30, UK

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Kai Havertz could be replaced by Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window as they set their sights on signing another new striker.

The 26-year-old missed two glaring chances as Mikel Arteta’s side lost 2-1 against Man City last time out, including a last-gasp chance to equalise.

Viktor Gyokeres was brought in last summer in a bid to resolve their striker issue, but he has also struggled, and the Gunners could be forced to assess their options.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arsenal know they must keep improving if they want to win regular silverware.

There are concerns that Havertz, among a number of his teammates, are not of the required level to help them achieve their goals ahead of what could be a busy window for Arsenal.

Does Kai Havertz have a long-term future at Arsenal?

Football Insider reported last month that Havertz has no plans to leave Arsenal after recovering from an injury which has seen him miss a large chunk of the season.

Arteta is a big fan of the Germany international for what he offers out of possession as well as with the ball, but his lack of threat in the final third is a major concern.

While there are doubts about whether the boss would be willing to let Havertz leave, frustrations have begun to grow, and he could soon be replaced.

“There have been concerns about Kai Havertz for a while,” Brown told Football Insider.

“You never get the feeling he’s going to do it in big games. He might perform against lesser opposition, but when it comes to the big games, he has got to stand up.

“In that type of game, one that could potentially win you the league title, he’s not good enough. He’s missed two big chances to get something out of the game.

“For Arsenal, or any team looking to win trophies, you need players who you are confident will take their chances when they fall to them.

“Look at City with Haaland, he had one chance in the game and he took it, and that could be the difference between the team coming in first or second.

“Havertz missed the one where Donnarumma made a great save, and then the header late in the game, it just sums up the differences between Arsenal and City.

“So from an Arsenal point of view, they will be looking in the transfer market for another striker or player to come and replace what they’ve got at the moment.

“In the position they’re in, you always have to keep improving the squad and looking to get better, that’s how you bridge the gap between first and second.”

Could Havertz be part of a major Arsenal overhaul?

Concerns about Havertz’s abilities have come alongside question marks about a number of the fringe players and some regulars in Arteta’s squad.

The likes of Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all facing uncertain futures at the Emirates Stadium, with a potential overhaul on the cards.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed last month that Gabriel Jesus and Ben White could leave Arsenal, with the Gunners eyeing multiple first-team sales.

Sporting director Andrea Berta is set to oversee a fire sale as the Gunners aim to raise funds to reinvest in the squad while clearing some of their dead wood.

There will be an emphasis on selling players for higher prices, having seen the likes of Man City and Chelsea able to spend big thanks to their sales.