Kai Havertz has reportedly become frustrated with the growing competition for Arsenal’s centre-forward position, with Viktor Gyökeres continuing to attract attention following his recent performances for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The situation has sparked fresh debate among Arsenal supporters about the German international’s role in the team and whether Gyökeres is gradually establishing himself as the club’s first-choice striker.
Havertz has been an important player for Arsenal since arriving from Chelsea, offering Arteta tactical flexibility through his ability to operate as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder and supporting forward. His movement, physical presence and ability to contribute goals have made him a valuable member of the squad. However, the arrival of Gyökeres has introduced a different level of competition, particularly in the central attacking position.
With Arsenal aiming to compete for major trophies, Arteta faces the challenge of deciding which striker best suits his tactical plans for each match. While Havertz has previously enjoyed opportunities to lead the attack, Gyökeres has emerged as another option capable of offering a more direct approach, powerful running and a strong presence inside the penalty area.
The growing competition has inevitably raised questions about Havertz’s future role.
Havertz and Gyökeres competing for one position
One of the biggest talking points among Arsenal supporters is whether Havertz and Gyökeres can both establish themselves in Arteta’s strongest starting eleven.
Havertz offers qualities that extend beyond scoring goals. His intelligent movement can create space for teammates, while his ability to link midfield and attack allows Arsenal to maintain possession and build dangerous attacking combinations. He can also contribute defensively and help the team press opponents from the front.
Gyökeres, meanwhile, brings a different profile to the centre-forward position. His physical strength, acceleration and willingness to attack defenders directly can give Arsenal another dimension in the final third. His ability to run behind defensive lines can also create opportunities for midfielders and wide attackers to deliver dangerous passes into space.
These differences mean that Arteta has several tactical options available to him. Against teams that defend deep, Havertz’s movement and link-up play could prove valuable. In matches where Arsenal need greater penetration and a striker capable of challenging defenders physically, Gyökeres could be particularly useful.
Nevertheless, both players will naturally want regular opportunities to demonstrate their qualities.
Why Gyökeres’ growing influence could concern Havertz
For any established forward, seeing a new signing become a serious contender for a starting position can create additional pressure.
Havertz has worked to establish himself within Arsenal’s system, and the possibility of losing regular minutes could make the competition particularly challenging. After adapting to Arteta’s demands, the German will want to remain an important part of the team’s plans.
However, there is no verified confirmation that Havertz has directly accused Gyökeres of taking over his position or that the pair are involved in a personal disagreement.
The idea that Havertz feels threatened by Gyökeres should therefore be treated as speculation rather than an established fact.
Competition between teammates does not necessarily indicate hostility. At elite clubs, players frequently compete for the same position while maintaining a professional relationship, understanding that strong performances from the entire squad are necessary to compete for trophies.
For Arsenal, having two forwards capable of offering different qualities could ultimately become an advantage.
Arteta faces an important selection decision
The responsibility for managing the situation rests with Arteta. The Arsenal manager must determine how to use both players without disrupting the team’s attacking balance.
Rather than automatically selecting one striker and excluding the other, Arteta could consider using Havertz in a supporting role when the tactical situation allows it. The German’s versatility means he can contribute from positions behind the main striker, potentially creating opportunities for both players to feature in the same lineup.
Such an arrangement would depend on the opposition, the availability of Arsenal’s other attacking players and the balance required in midfield.
Arteta must also consider fitness, recent performances and the demands of Arsenal’s fixture schedule. With domestic and European competitions placing pressure on the squad, rotating attacking players could help maintain energy levels throughout the season.
However, if Gyökeres continues to receive the majority of opportunities as the central striker, questions about Havertz’s long-term role are likely to persist.
The manager will need to communicate his expectations clearly to ensure that every player understands what is required to earn a place in the starting eleven.
Arsenal supporters divided over the striker debate
The competition has created an interesting discussion among Arsenal supporters, with different opinions emerging about which player should lead the attack.
Some supporters may prefer Gyökeres because of his physical presence, direct running and ability to stretch opposition defences. Others may favour Havertz because of his intelligent movement, technical qualities and understanding of Arsenal’s existing attacking patterns.
Ultimately, the most suitable choice will depend on the circumstances of each match.
Football is rarely as simple as comparing two players based solely on goals. A striker’s contribution also includes creating space, linking attacks, pressing defenders and helping teammates find opportunities in dangerous areas.
Havertz and Gyökeres offer different combinations of these qualities, giving Arteta the opportunity to adjust his approach according to the challenges Arsenal face.
If both players remain fit and productive, the competition could encourage them to improve rather than create problems within the squad.
Could Havertz lose his starting position permanently?
The possibility of Havertz becoming a regular substitute is another issue attracting attention.
Gyökeres’ presence gives Arteta a specialist centre-forward option, potentially reducing the need to use Havertz in that position when the Swedish striker is available. However, that does not automatically mean Havertz will lose his importance to Arsenal.
His versatility could allow him to feature in different attacking roles, while injuries, suspensions and tactical changes will inevitably create opportunities throughout the season.
Havertz could also reclaim a starting position by delivering strong performances whenever he is selected. Managers generally want players who can adapt, contribute consistently and respond positively when competition increases.
For that reason, the coming matches could be significant in determining how the two forwards fit into Arsenal’s plans.
The bigger picture for Arsenal
Arsenal’s ambition is to compete for the biggest trophies, and achieving that objective requires strength across the squad rather than dependence on one attacking player.
Having multiple options in the centre-forward position can help the club cope with injuries, difficult fixtures and different tactical challenges. It can also prevent opponents from preparing for Arsenal’s attack in only one way.
The key will be ensuring that competition remains constructive.
If Havertz and Gyökeres both perform well, Arteta will have greater flexibility when choosing his team. If one player struggles, the other can provide an alternative without forcing the manager to abandon his preferred tactical approach.
For Havertz, the challenge is to demonstrate that he remains capable of making a decisive contribution, regardless of whether he starts as the main striker or plays in another attacking role.
For Gyökeres, the priority is to justify his opportunities through consistent performances and help Arsenal achieve their objectives.
For Arteta, the task is to get the best out of both players while keeping the squad focused on collective success.
Although speculation about tension between the two forwards may continue, there is currently no verified evidence that Havertz has accused Gyökeres of deliberately taking his position.
What is undeniable is that competition for Arsenal’s centre-forward role has become an important talking point, and the manager’s decisions will continue to attract attention.