Mikel Arteta has conceded transfer mistakes are "inevitable" when asked about Arsenal's decision to pry Kai Havertz from Chelsea last summer.
The Germany international cost the Gunners £65million and after an underwhelming start to life at the Emirates, Havertz has started to come into his own in recent weeks. Two goals against his former side in his last outing for Arsenal means the 24-year-old's stock is considerably higher among the fanbase than it was in his first few months.
Havertz could seal his place in the hearts of Arsenal supporters everywhere if he is back among the goals against north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon. Before the clash, Arteta admitted not every transfer will be a success when asked about the process of bringing the ex-Chelsea ace to the club.
"It’s not my decision, it’s our decision," Arteta said about Havertz joining Arsenal. "We were super aligned with the club’s vision, and then obviously on the sporting side, we made a recommendation.
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"A lot of people were involved and then you need the ownership to back you as well, and make things happen. We were very convinced that they were characters first, they were players with the right qualities to fit within our model, our club, and sometimes it takes a bit of time, that’s inevitable.
"Sometimes you’re going to make mistakes, I try to minimise them, and try to at least generate the environment, and everything that the players need to fulfil their potential."
Havertz was written off by many when he first rocked up at the Emirates, but has popped up with some crucial goals that have kept Arsenal's title charge alive. The Gunners currently sit top by a slender one point, but have played one game more than second-placed Manchester City.
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The stakes have rarely been higher for Arsenal ahead of a north London derby. With City breathing down their neck, Arteta is well aware that his side have absolutely no margin for error at the home of their most fierce rivals.
Despite that pressure ahead of kick-off, Arteta was gracious enough to heap praise on his north London counterpart Ange Postecoglou. "I’m really impressed with what he’s done and also prior to that," the Arsenal boss told reporters.
"I knew him when he was in the Australian national team, and when he was in Japan as well, I followed him when he was at Celtic, and he’s always been super clear with a really clear direction and identity of how his teams play, and I love the way his teams play. So, I think he’s been very good."
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