ARSENAL have been urged to ditch Kai Havertz just months after his £65million move from Chelsea.
And they should instead upgrade to fellow German Florian Wirtz, whose “footballing IQ is off the charts.”
Havertz, 24, was snapped up by Mikel Arteta over the summer after netting just 19 league goals in three seasons at Chelsea.
Arsenal were convinced the forward would thrive in a new midfield position instead of up top.
But after playing 19 times in all competitions for the Gunners, Havertz has just one goal and one assist at the Emirates.
And former Arsenal youngster Jermaine Pennant reckons Arteta has messed up big time in the transfer market.
He does not understand what attracted Arsenal to Havertz after the player’s dismal form at Chelsea.
And Pennant has urged the Gunners to move for an immediate replacement in Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Wirtz, who has been linked with Liverpool and Man City.
The 20-year-old has six goals and 10 assists in 17 outings this term, helping his side to the top of the Bundesliga table.
But Arsenal will have to dig deep once again, with Wirtz valued at £74million by Leverkusen.
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Pennant told King Casino Bonus: “I need to talk about Kai Havertz. That signing hasn’t worked.
“I thought I’d give him some time to settle in but that period is now over. 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.”
On Wirtz, Pennant added: “I think Arsenal should have gone for Wirtz, 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.”
