Castles: Havertz Future in Doubt Amid Arsenal’s Striker Search | OneFootball

Arsenal Weigh Up Nicolas Jackson Transfer

Arteta’s tactical rethink could move Havertz deeper

Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy is beginning to take shape, and the club’s pursuit of a new striker may signal a positional shift for Kai Havertz. After a mixed season leading the line at the Emirates, Havertz could be asked to revert to midfield duties—especially if the Gunners make a move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.

Mikel Arteta faces a series of decisive calls in the coming weeks, with one of the more pressing centred around Havertz. Signed last summer from Chelsea for £65million, the German international has largely been deployed up front. While productive—scoring 15 goals in all competitions last term—questions remain over whether he can truly thrive as a No. 9.

Havertz’s numbers don’t tell the full story

Despite scoring one more goal than in the previous season—and doing so in 15 fewer appearances—Havertz’s role still divides opinion. The 26-year-old has demonstrated an ability to hold the ball, break defensive lines, and contribute crucial goals. Yet there is still a sense that he is a makeshift solution, not a natural fit, for the central striker position.

Arteta’s challenge is to balance potential and pragmatism. With Arsenal appearing increasingly capable of pushing for major honours, the necessity of having a world-class centre-forward becomes more evident. Havertz’s technical quality and versatility may be better utilised in a deeper role, especially if Arsenal secure a top-tier striker.

Photo: IMAGO

Striker search intensifies with Jackson linked

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško have emerged as two of the leading targets for Arsenal, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins also having been closely monitored during the January window.

However, a new name has entered the discussion. According to transfer expert Duncan Castles, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is being considered as a potential signing. The Senegalese striker, signed by Chelsea in 2023, has impressed in flashes but remains a raw talent prone to inconsistency.

“Jackson has shown plenty of potential since joining the Blues, but he remains an incredibly raw player and has let his side down on several occasions of recent with moments of madness – including a red card towards the end of last season for a late elbow.”

At 24, Jackson still has time on his side and could appeal to Arsenal as a second-choice option—particularly if they land a more proven name to lead the line. Such a move would give Arteta the tactical flexibility to repurpose Havertz without the pressure of relying on him solely for goals.

Strategic depth over short-term fixes

If Arteta moves forward with Jackson, it would represent another calculated gamble in his ongoing rebuild. While Jackson may not immediately raise Arsenal’s attacking ceiling, his presence could offer depth and a different dynamic, especially off the bench or in rotational scenarios.

More importantly, it would underline the shift in how Arsenal view Havertz’s long-term role—not as a frontman, but as a link between midfield and attack. Whether that adjustment unlocks his full potential remains to be seen, but the conversation around Arsenal’s striker options is now accelerating—and Jackson is firmly in the frame.