‘I see my future here’ – £65million Arsenal star sends clear message to Mikel Arteta

Kai Havertzhas no intention of leaving Arsenal this summer despite the speculation linking the Gunners with a move for Julian Alvarez.

The Germany international has cemented his status as one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted lieutenants following the difficult start he made to his career with the north London club following his move from Chelsea.

Successive hamstring and knee injuries have stunted Havertz’s career over the course of the last 12 months, but he is adamant he is now free of injury and ready to play a decisive part in the run-in.

The 26-year-old’s future beyond this summer is a little less clear, however, with Arsenal again expected to conduct a significant overhaul of their squad.

Forwards including Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to move on with sporting director Andrea Berta under pressure to sell well in order to finance moves for new attacking recruits.

Julian Alvarez is understood to be top of Arteta’s wishlist, while an audacious move for PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also being explored.

With Viktor Gyokeres almost certain to be granted a second season to prove his worth competition for places is likely to be as intense as ever, not that that will deter Havertz.

Arsenal 0-2 Man City - Metro at the Match

Manchester City have secured the first silverware of the season after Arsenal failed to deliver at Wembley.

The quadruple dream is over and the Gunners must now pick up the pieces after a sobering setback.

For City, it has breathed life into their campaign after a dismal Champions League exit this week.

@metrosportuk

Kepa won’t want to watch that one back 😬 Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final following a huge mistake from the Gunners’ goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, which lead to a quick brace from Nico O’Reilly. #kepa #arsenal #mancity #carabaocup #oreilly

♬ original sound - Metro Sport

Kepa gamble backfires spectacularly

Mikel Arteta decided to keep faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga after starting the Spaniard in each round of the competition leading up to the final at Wembley today.

Pep Guardiola did likewise with James Trafford, but it was Arsenal who paid the price for dropping one of their best players. From the moment the second-half kicked off, Kepa dallied on the ball, inviting the pressure that would inevitably swarm all over the Gunners and trigger their downfall.

Raya has been spectacular this season, the best goalkeeper in the Premier League by some margin and in sublime form. Had he started, Sunday may have been a very different story.

Old Arsenal fears reignited

We have seen Arsenal collapse in the past. Past failures have so often been used as a stick to beat them with but things have felt different this season.

Victory today would have gone some way in erasing the lingering fears over another derailment . But defeat at Wembley could serve as a catalyst for something much bleaker.

Arsenal are still fighting on three fronts, in control of the Premier League title race and well-placed to continue marching on in Europe. But the effects of today could be season-altering. The woeful second-half showing was as bad as anything served up by them this term on the stage where they needed to be their best.

O'Reilly steps up

City needed a hero at Wembley and they found a home-grown one. With Phil Foden only coming on as an injury time substitute, left-back O'Reilly stepped up as City's savour with two headers to save their season.

City were fantastic in the second period to a man and fed off Arsenal's apprehension but it was the 21-year-old set the standard when they needed inspiration.  

Tony Mogan, live sports editor

‘No to be honest I haven’t heard anything about that and I haven’t read anything about it either,’ said Havertz, speaking ahead of Germany’s upcoming friendly against Switzerland.

‘I feel right at home at Arsenal, I think everyone there is also very, very happy with me. It wasn’t an easy season but I definitely see my future at Arsenal in London.

‘I think of course we have a lot of games left in the league and we are still in three competitions.

‘Personally, I know I was out for the first six months of the season but I’m going to give it all for the club over the last two or three months now in the hope of heading to the World Cup with a great deal of confidence.’

Germany have set their sights on winning the World Cup following shock group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, determined to restore their reputation as a global football powerhouse. The tournament starts in June and is co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The Germans, who have not reached a final in any major international tournament since winning their fourth World Cup in 2014 in Brazil, have been drawn in Group E with Ecuador, Curacao and Ivory Coast for the June 11-July 19 tournament.

They play their opening World Cup match in Houston, Texas on June 14 against Curacao. Germany then travel to Toronto on June 20 to take on Ivory Coast before their last group game against Ecuador in New York on June 25.