Joe Cole believes Chelsea should never have sold ‘brilliant player’ Kai Havertz and says he has been a ‘great signing’ for Arsenal.

The Germany international spent three years at Chelsea after joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £71m, scoring 19 goals in 91 Premier League appearances and netting the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.

Havertz’s arrival at Arsenal came as a surprise as he largely flattered to deceive in a Blues shirt and the deal looked even more questionable as he initially struggled in north London.

But the 24-year-old has slowly developed into a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad over the course of the season, helping the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title and reach the latter stages of the Champions League.

‘I thought he was a brilliant player for Chelsea,’ Cole told the Daily Express. ‘He came in with a massive transfer fee and he played in multiple positions and always did a good job. And he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final. 

‘I’ve always liked him. I didn’t want to see him go. He’s gone there [to Arsenal] and done really well and found his feet. 

‘He’s a box player, whether he plays as a No.9 or a false nine, he’s got a lovely instinct to score goals and a lovely weight of pass and calmness. 

‘I’d have loved to see him stay at Chelsea, I really would. I think he’s a cracking player. When he was playing that role for Chelsea, that role was synonymous of the last 20 years of like [Didier] Drogba, [Fernando] Torres and [Diego] Costa, recognised centre-forwards. 

‘When he was playing there, Chelsea fans are used to having that. I thought he did a great job at Chelsea and he was a great signing for Arsenal.’ 

While Arsenal have rivalled Manchester City and Liverpool for the title this season, Chelsea have been languishing in mid-table for most of the campaign.

The London rivals meet at the Emirates on Tuesday night, with Arsenal hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table and Chelsea attempting to make up more ground on their rivals for European football.

Arsenal beat Wolves 2-0 last time out following successive defeats in the Premier League and Champions League, while Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in a tight FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

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