Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has opened up about his Chelsea past and current transformation ahead of Sunday's Premier League London derby. Speaking to Hindustan Times Sports this week, the German international reflected on six years in England and his evolving role at the Emirates.
Havertz arrives at this fixture with Arsenal sitting second in the Premier League, having taken six points from two games with a perfect record. The Gunners have scored four goals without conceding, building momentum from last season's title win. Their next league assignment after Chelsea is an away trip to face Sunderland on September 12, but focus is firmly on the weekend derby.
What did Kai Havertz say about his Chelsea move?
Kai Havertz joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for a three-year stint that brought major European success. He scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final and later lifted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy. Looking back, he adopts a philosophical view. "When I first arrived in the Premier League after signing for Chelsea in 2020, I did not overthink it," Havertz said. "I was young and wanted a new experience."
He now considers his entire journey, including the painful moments, as essential. "Looking back now, after spending six years in England, I would never change anything that I have done," he added. That period forged a player who now faces his former club as a key figure for the champions.
How has Havertz transformed at Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta has deployed Havertz primarily as a central striker this season, a shift from the attacking midfield role he often occupied at Chelsea. This tactical evolution mirrors the team's broader development. Arsenal's Premier League triumph last season was built on a formidable set-piece record, a department where Havertz's aerial ability has become a major asset.
His adaptation speaks to a player who feels completely settled. "London is my home now, I belong here," Havertz stated, emphasizing his connection to the city after years with both major clubs. He described the Premier League as the best club competition in the world, a stage where he has now won its biggest prize.
What is Arsenal's current situation?
The squad faces this derby while managing several absences. Defender Jurriën Timber remains sidelined, alongside centre-back William Saliba and recent signing Cristhian Mosquera. Fans can check the latest availability on the club's injuries page for updates.
Despite these setbacks, the team's start has been strong. Their defensive solidity, with zero goals conceded, provides a platform. The full standings show Arsenal trailing only on goal difference, setting up a high-stakes clash against a Chelsea side that will be desperate to disrupt their former player's narrative.
What comes next for Arsenal?
Sunday's match is a standalone event in the schedule before the international break. After hosting Chelsea, Arsenal travel to face Sunderland, who currently sit 12th. The broader fixtures list shows a manageable run through September, offering a chance to build an early points cushion.
Havertz's personal journey from Chelsea champion to Arsenal's number nine adds a compelling layer to this derby. His story of transformation and belonging frames a match that could shape the early title race. Arsenal's next Premier League game is away to Sunderland on September 12.
