Arsenal player Mikel Arteta can't do without while 'everybody talks about Declan Rice'

Chris Sutton says Kai Havertz has become an undroppable player for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. Sutton hinted Havertz is now as important to the Gunners as Declan Rice.

Arsenal are currently the Premier League's form team ahead of the vital title run-in. They've netted 31 goals in their last seven league matches.

Arteta's team haven't dropped a single point in 2024. Many players have stepped up to the plate at this critical juncture in the season, with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard back in sterling form. At the same time, Rice continues to impress.

But perhaps no one has enjoyed a bigger transformation this season Kai Havertz. The Germany international was a surprise addition last summer after a tough stint at Chelsea.

It took Havertz a while to find his footing in North London. Initially, it didn't seem like Arteta knew exactly how to utilise the 24-year-old, who cost £65million.

But there is little doubt that something seems to have clicked. Havertz has been exceptional, scoring three goals and providing two assists in the last three league matches.

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Speaking on It's All Kicking Off, former Premier League striker Sutton praised Havertz for instilling himself as such a key player for Arteta since the start of the year.

«Do you know who's been so important to them? Kai Havertz. When he first went there, I think he was really undermined, and a lot of negativity towards him. He's proven to be such a key cog in this Arsenal team,» said Sutton.

«His forward runs, when he's playing as a number eight, always running in behind. And there's that