Robbie Fowler names the £65m star who will cost Arsenal the Premier League title as Liverpool legend reflects on the Gunners’ transfer window error
Former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler has revealed Kai Havertz is the player who will stop Arsenal from winning major titles this year.
Fowler’s prediction comes after the Gunners crashed out of the Carabao Cup as they lost 4-0 on aggregate against Newcastle on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old German featured in the starting line-up and played the entire game, yet failed to significantly impact the team’s performance and managed only one shot on goal.
Even though Havertz remains a regular starter for manager Mikel Arteta, the Spaniard was left disappointed at his side’s failure to secure a deal for a new striker in the January transfer window – with Arsenal showing clear interest in signing Aston Villa’s No 9 Ollie Watkins.
Now, Fowler – a former top striker himself – has cast doubts about whether the previous £65million acquisition is the right choice for a team that aspires for major trophies, such as the Premier League or Champions League.
Speaking on The LineUp with Jim White and Tony Bellew, the former Liverpool striker said: ‘If I’m being honest, he’s (Havertz) not my cup of tea.’
Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has revealed Kai Havertz is the player who will stop Arsenal from the Premier League this year
The 25-year-old German was slammed once again for his performance against Newcastle on Wednesday
Fowler’s claim comes after Arsenal crashed out of the Carabao Cup as they lost 2-0 in the second leg against the Magpies
‘I think he’s OK but, if you’re a team that’s got real aspirations of winning Premier Leagues and Champions Leagues, then I think you need someone better than Kai Havertz playing in that focal striker role.
‘He’ll do a job but I don’t think he’s been as consistent as he would have liked. I just think there are better players out there.’
Fowler has also highlighted Arsenal’s mistake not to sign a striker throughout the entire winter transfer window.
During January it was understood the Watking was willing to come to the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners had their offer rejected by Aston Villa who were determined to keep the player.
Arteta is well-documented to be a long-term admirer of the 29-year-old striker’s abilities, who is known to be an Arsenal fan since childhood.
However, a potential deal collapsed when Jhon Duran completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr for £64.5m, joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane.
‘When Arsenal were linked with Ollie Watkins it looked to me like an almost token gesture,’ Fowler continued.
‘Realistically, with Jhon Duran leaving, there was no chance Villa were going to let him go, so it looked a bit to me like it was done to appease the fans as opposed to a serious offer.’
