Former Arsenal defender William Gallas believes Chelsea made a mistake in letting Mateo Kovacic join Manchester City while selling Kai Havertz to Arsenal was the right decision. Chelsea sold Kai Havertz to Arsenal for €75 million, after getting him from Bayer Leverkusen for €80 million in 2020. Mateo Kovacic, 30, moved to Manchester City last July for just under €30 million.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Gallas argues that Havertz’s first season at Arsenal has been satisfactory but insists he hasn’t been missed at Chelsea. Despite Chelsea’s tumultuous season, a recent run of four wins has given them a chance to finish fifth. Mauricio Pochettino has had to deal with many injuries and departures, including Havertz.
At Arsenal, Havertz has become popular, contributing crucial goals to their title challenge. However, Gallas feels the 24-year-old should be doing more, given his talent.
“Kai Havertz has had a good season at Arsenal but hasn’t scored enough to justify his price tag yet,” Gallas told Genting Casino. “Chelsea didn’t make a mistake letting him go.”
In contrast, Gallas believes Kovacic’s departure has been a bigger loss for Chelsea. He thinks the Croatian midfielder’s experience would have benefited Chelsea’s new signings, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
“Bringing in Caicedo and Fernandez pushed Kovacic out,” Gallas said. “But young midfielders need experienced players like Kovacic around. Maybe Chelsea should have kept him for another season to help the young players improve.”
Both Havertz and Kovacic still have a chance to win the Premier League this season as Arsenal and Manchester City head into the final match with a shot at the title.
