Kai Havertz Could Be Repeating Petr Čech’s Costly Arsenal Mistake
Kai Havertz has faced criticism in the past for being physically lightweight, but recent images from Arsenal’s pre-season tell a very different story. The German international has returned looking significantly bulked up — a transformation that has sparked both admiration and concern.
While strength is an essential attribute for a Premier League forward, there’s a delicate balance between being physically dominant and becoming overly muscle-bound. And Havertz may now be walking that fine line — much like former Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Čech once did.
A Familiar Warning from Petr Čech
Čech, one of the most experienced players in Premier League history, once shared his own experience of bulking up too much during an off-season. Speaking on Ben Foster’s podcast, Čech admitted that he had gone too far with his gym routine while on holiday with his wife.
“When we are on holiday, we never really just sit on the beach. We always pick destinations with good gym facilities,” Čech explained.
“So I’d go from the gym straight to the beach every day. I probably overdid it, and at the time I didn’t realize how much it would affect my performance.”
Čech noted that his increased muscle mass, combined with the introduction of tighter, slim-fit kits, made the change even more noticeable. Ultimately, the added bulk affected his agility and reflexes in goal — two traits vital to his position.
Havertz’s Transformation Raises Similar Questions
Havertz has clearly undergone a serious physical transformation this summer. Photos from Arsenal’s training sessions show a visibly more muscular frame. While that may benefit him in terms of physical duels and presence, it could also restrict his natural fluidity, agility, and sharpness — all key components of his playing style.
This shift didn’t happen by accident. According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal’s coaching staff had instructed Havertz to build more muscle earlier this year while he was sidelined with injury. Manager Mikel Arteta even publicly commented on the changes in the player’s physique, indicating that the club had been monitoring and encouraging his progress.
Arteta’s Comments on Havertz’s Physical Development
Arteta has been supportive of Havertz’s evolution, noting that the player has worked hard behind the scenes to adapt to the physical demands of English football. However, it remains to be seen whether the added muscle will enhance or hinder his performance on the pitch.
Just as Čech discovered, physical gains can come at a cost if not managed carefully. Arsenal will be hoping that Havertz’s transformation makes him more effective in duels, not less efficient in his overall game.
