Florian Wirtz to Arsenal with Kai Havertz heading back to Bayer Leverkusen in the opposite direction? Well, this is a transfer swap deal that has been proposed ahead of both windows in 2024.

The Gunners splashed the cash on the latter in the summer, agreeing a £65million deal with Chelsea to lure him from west London to north. However, it's safe to say the jury is still out on the Germany international as Mikel Arteta's plan to convert him into a central midfielder has run into a few obstacles.

Aside from two goal involvements in 19 appearances across all competitions - including the Community Shield - so far this season, Havertz's general performances simply have not lived up to his huge price tag. Of course, the fact he is now operating primarily in midfield as opposed to leading the line means it was always going to take time to make a successful transition.

"Last year I came more off the No.9 but I am used to this midfield position because I played there from a young age," he told football.london in Nuremberg after Arsenal's 1-1 draw there in July. "Now it's time to just get all the movements back into my brain and hopefully it will be good on the pitch."

But whilst it would appear that his teammates and supporters are willing him to succeed and are remaining patient, for ex-Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant, he's already seen enough from the 24-year-old to deliver a quite damming verdict less than six months into his tenure at the Emirates Stadium.

"That Kai Havertz signing hasn't worked. I thought I'd give him some time to settle in, but that period is over now," he told King Casino Bonus. "I think he's been a poor signing. I don't understand what he brings to the team as he's not scoring or assisting. It's bizarre as Arteta seems to believe in him."

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Interestingly, Pennant believes his former club should have targeted a different Germany international instead of Havertz in Wirtz but has proposed a swap deal between the two players in the future. "I think Arsenal should have gone for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz," he added. "His footballing IQ is off the charts!

"He's not a speed-merchant, but he's clever on the ball and he seems to always pick the right pass. His assists are great, he has an eye for goal, and I think he'd be a fantastic addition to Arsenal. He'd fit in perfectly there. Wirtz would be a lot cheaper, and they should trade him in for Kai!"

Whilst Pennant may have a point with regard to Wirtz slotting in perfectly at Arsenal, to suggest he'd be a lot cheaper raises a few eyebrows considering reports in Germany have stated Bayer Leverkusen will not entertain any offers less than €100million (£87.5million) for the playmaker.

And with the current Bundesliga leaders said to be unwilling to do business for the 21-year-old in the upcoming transfer window, if Arsenal do end up making a move they'll have to pay a premium and it could be a record-breaking transfer for Leverkusen, ironically surpassing Havertz's move to Chelsea for €80million (£70million) in 2020.

A perfect fit perhaps but unless Leverkusen were willing to do a straight swap then any possible deal taking Wirtz to the Emirates would not be cheaper for Arsenal.