Kai Havertz has opened up on his difficult start to life at Arsenal. The German international joined the Gunners from London rivals Chelsea over the summer, signing for £65million, the third-highest fee the club have ever paid for a player.
But he has so far struggled to live up to that price tag. Havertz has netted just one goal, a penalty against Bournemouth, although he did provide a crucial assist during last month's 1-0 victory against Manchester City.
Some fans and pundits have begun to voice their frustrations with the talented playmaker, who has now lifted the lid on his start to life at the Emirates Stadium. "It's very important to feel trust from the fans," Havertz told the club's official website.
"It's always tough when you come from Chelsea, because they are big rivals, so it can take weeks to get some trust from the fans. But goals and good games can help me to get it and I will always give 100% in the games and training sessions.
"I think they will recognise this as well, which is very important. I’m really happy to be here."
Havertz also spoke about Arsenal record signing Declan Rice, who arrived in north London over the summer, signing from West Ham United for a whopping £105million. "Before I joined, I spoke a lot with Declan Rice as well, who I know through Mason Mount," the former Bayer Leverkusen starlet added.
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"For me it was very easy to come into the team because there are so many young players. I've played against a lot of them already so I know them from the pitch, and I have found it easy to make friends here.
"Hopefully it will continue like this."
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