Kai Havertz was dubbed a “very good signing” by Aaron Ramsdale, who also praised the German’s “striking” array of abilities while playing for Chelsea.
After signing a £65 million contract with Arsenal, Havertz has moved from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates Stadium.
The 24-year-old, who spent three years at Chelsea and scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final, has signed a five-year contract at Arsenal.
Despite his Champions League final heroics, Havertz endured a underwhelming spell in west London, scoring 19 goals in 91 Premier League appearances following a £72m move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Assessing Arsenal’s deal for Havertz, Ramsdale told Kicker: ‘It’s a very good signing.
‘Kai already has a lot of experience, he was captain in Leverkusen when he was very young. He’s an international player, has won the Champions League and scored in important games.
‘He can play in different positions, which will help the team. He’s also a tall boy, so he can also help with set-piece situations, which shouldn’t be underestimated in modern football.’
Asked what he made of Havertz during his spell at Chelsea, England goalkeeper Ramsdale added: ‘Above all, it was striking how different he can play. He’s so good with the ball at his feet but at the same time he can be a target player.
‘As his opponent, you could never really rest against him because he is constantly looking for free space.
‘Also, he’s very generous on the ball and likes to use the wingers or players who move up from midfield. Hopefully we will see all of these qualities next season.’
Havertz joins an Arsenal team that finished second in the Premier League last season and qualified for the Champions League following a six-year absence.
The Gunners were chasing a first league title since 2004 but fell short as Manchester City won the Premier League for the third year in a row.
‘We were so close but just didn’t make it in the end,’ Ramsdale said of Arsenal’s title challenge. ‘But now we have experience of being in that kind of situation and hopefully we’ll go one better next season.
‘We’re looking to strengthen the squad once again with a view to attacking all competitions, including the Champions League.
‘It’s difficult when you’re up against a team that wins the treble. But we can only look at ourselves.
‘There were a few games that slipped out of our hands that we should have won. But you never win on the first try.’