Bayer Leverkusen have sent a clear message to Kai Havertz, they’d love him back, just not right now .
The German giants’ managing director Simon Rolfes has opened the door for a potential return, but insists the Arsenal star is “in a different phase of his career” .
THE ROLFES VERDICT
“I’m generally sceptical about bringing former players back. But with Kai and Florian Wirtz, I would make an exception,” Rolfes told Sport1 programme Doppelpass.
That’s a massive statement. Leverkusen rarely do emotional reunions, but for Havertz and Wirtz two of their finest academy products they’d bend the rules.
Havertz spent ten years in Leverkusen’s youth system before making 150 senior appearances and leaving for Chelsea in a £72m deal . He still holds the club close.
“We maintain close contact with Kai and if the situation arises, we would need to have a conversation,” Rolfes added. “At the moment, however, he is in a different phase of his career and feels very comfortable at Arsenal. He left the club to reach the top of world football.”
THE ARSENAL CONTEXT
Havertz has been excellent for Arsenal this season when fit, scoring crucial goals including the late leveller from the spot in the first leg against his old club . He started against Everton at the weekend but couldn’t find the net, that honour went to someone else.
THE DOWMAN EMERGENCE
While Havertz toils, a new star is rising. Max Dowman, 16, became the Premier League’s youngest ever scorer with his strike against Everton . He’d already made his Champions League bow as a substitute against Slavia Prague in November.
Mikel Arteta is urging patience: “Let’s come down to earth today and enjoy the moment, because it was intense and it was worth it and we will see tomorrow.”
But the buzz is real. Dowman could feature more regularly as Arsenal chase glory on four fronts.
THE LEVERKUSEN TIE
First, though, Havertz and co have a job to do. Arsenal host Leverkusen on Tuesday in the Champions League round of 16 second leg, leading 1-0 from the first meeting . Havertz will be battling to keep his starting spot against his boyhood club.
A goal would be poetic. A return one day? Maybe. But not yet.
