Bayer Leverkusen welcome future Kai Havertz return ahead of Arsenal clash
Arsenal will host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday amid transfer interest in Kai Havertz and praise for record-breaking teenager Max Dowman.
The Premier League leaders are looking to advance in Europe after extending their advantage at the summit of the domestic table with a weekend victory over Everton.
German international Havertz is vying for a starting spot against his former employers, having scored a crucial late penalty to equalise in the first leg.
Leverkusen leave door open for Havertz
The 25-year-old forward initially made his name at the BayArena, registering 150 appearances as a teenager before sealing a lucrative £72m move to Chelsea in 2020.
Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has publicly admitted he would make a rare exception to re-sign the versatile attacker.
“I’m generally sceptical about bringing former players back, but with Kai and Florian Wirtz, I would make an exception,” Rolfes told German television.
The Bundesliga club maintain a close relationship with their academy graduate following his departure four years ago.
“He spent 10 years in our youth system, we maintain close contact with Kai and if the situation arises, we would need to have a conversation,” the director added.
However, the Leverkusen chief acknowledged that the in-form forward is currently thriving in North London and remains focused on reaching the pinnacle of world football.
Arteta calls for calm over record-breaker Dowman
While the former Chelsea man drew a blank against the Toffees last weekend, 16-year-old academy product Max Dowman seized the spotlight.
The highly-rated midfielder became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer to secure a vital three points for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The teenage starlet previously made his European debut as a substitute against Slavia Prague in November.
Despite the growing clamour for the youngster to earn a starting berth, the Gunners boss is determined to manage expectations carefully.
“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,” Arteta stated.
The Spanish tactician must now balance his squad effectively as the title challengers continue to compete for silverware across four different competitions.
