Havertz says Premier League title is just the start as he sets Arsenal targets for new season | OneFootball

Kai Havertz has set Arsenal the challenge of reaching “another level” after insisting the Premier League champions cannot afford to stand still if they are to build on last season’s title triumph.

Havertz marked his return from Germany’s World Cup campaign by scoring the opening goal in Arsenal’s 4-1 pre-season victory over Girona, making an immediate impact after just three weeks away from the club.

The striker admitted he was “buzzing” to get back with Mikel Arteta’s squad and believes the hunger inside the dressing room remains as strong as ever despite finally ending the club’s long wait for the Premier League title.

“I think we can, or we have to go further,” said Havertz. “You see especially other teams getting better, so we have to step up another level again. I think that’s what we’re all here for, that’s what we train for.

“We want to start strong and reach our goals this season again.”

That ambition is already being reflected in Arsenal’s activity away from the pitch. The club continue to pursue Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior in what would be one of the biggest transfers in football, while Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is also a major target and could arrive before Arsenal face Real Betis in Dublin later this week.

Rather than seeing potential arrivals as a threat, Havertz’s message was that competition is exactly what elite clubs need if they are to keep winning.

Arsenal have already strengthened one area of the squad with the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, and Havertz believes the Sweden international has quickly established himself among the world’s elite forwards.

“I think it’s quite natural, to be fair,” Havertz said of their growing understanding. “He’s easy to play with because I know which runs he wants or where he wants the pass.

“I’ve been on that striker position a lot of times as well, so I understand him quite well. We have a top connection on and off the pitch, so that helps as well.

“I think he’s one of the best strikers in the world and playing with him is very easy.”

The chemistry throughout the squad, according to Havertz, extends well beyond matchdays.

“I feel like we’re all fitting very well together,” he added. “You feel the chemistry in the team, not only on the pitch but also off the pitch. The way we spend time together in the hotel and away from football is amazing. We have a good connection all together and want to start the season very strong.”

That togetherness was also evident in Girona as several academy players featured prominently after the break, with Havertz praising the impact made by youngsters including Max Dowman.

“The young players especially were very good,” he said. “You see how they fit into the team and how they’re doing during the week is amazing. We’re all very happy to have them here.”

While Arsenal are now champions, Havertz insists there is no sense of satisfaction within the squad.

Asked whether European glory now represents the next frontier, the German made it clear Arteta’s side are chasing everything.

“We want all the trophies,” he said. “That’s what we’re here for. We won the Premier League now but there’s a lot more that we can do.

“We have to reach another level to make that happen because we know how long the season is and how hard it is to go through all the competitions. We want to do it better again this year and make things happen again.”