"His football IQ is something else" - Mikel Arteta sets massive 30-goal target for Arsenal star

Mikel Arteta said he believes Kai Havertz has what it takes to become a 30-goal-a-season striker for Arsenal. Havertz, who joined Arsenal in 2023, has been Arsenal's main striker this season amid Viktor Gyokeres' struggles.

The German has started all of the Gunners' Premier League matches so far and has found the net three times in nine appearances across all competitions. Speaking ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Arteta was asked if he believes Havertz has the ability to become a 25-30-goal-a-season striker.

"He has that ability," said the Gunners boss. "That is why he is playing there as well, and that is why we signed him.

He needs that volume of games and actions, and if you give him that, I am a big believer that yes, he can do it." 20 goals is the most Havertz has scored across all competitions in a single season in his career. He achieved that tally in the 2018-19 campaign when he was at Bayer Leverkusen.

During his three seasons at Chelsea, he reached double figures just once. His most goals so far in a single season for Arsenal is 15, which came in the 2024-25 season.

He endured an injury-hit campaign last season, managing only seven goals. Arteta hails "competitive" Havertz ahead of Forest vs Arsenal clash In the same press conference, Arteta lauded Havertz's mentality, insisting that the forward is the kind of player who loves to make his impact felt during football matches.

"During the game against Lille, he came in and made a massive impact. But he left the pitch upset because he didn't score a goal.

He was happy he helped the team but was also upset. That's the kind of player we want.

He's a player who wants to evolve and improve every single game."