Richard Keys brands Kai Havertz as 'Ozil without the talent' before turning on Mikel Arteta

Richard Keys has compared Kai Havertz to Mesut Ozil 'without the talent' in a scathing analysis of the new Arsenal signing.

Havertz was criticised for his poor display in Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Fulham - his fourth competitive appearance since joining from Chelsea for £65 million.

Although the German played well in Arsenal's Community Shield success against Manchester City, he has struggled during the Premier League season to this stage.

After the Fulham clash, manager Mikel Arteta was forced to defend Havertz when questioned about whether negative reaction could have an effect on him.

Arteta will continue to back his new signing, but Keys has already turned on the 23-year-old midfielder.

Richard Keys criticises Kai Havertz

Speaking on beIN Sports, Keys began his argument by criticising Havertz - before turning his ire towards Arteta and Pep Guardiola.

He explained: "Don't jump down my throat when I say this - let me finish my statement.

"Kai Havertz is the new Ozil without the talent. The reason I say that is, both are enigmas. They didn't know what to do with Ozil, so they sold him. Then they went and bought Havertz.

"Havertz is the new Ozil... without the talent!"👀@richardajkeys has found himself agreeing with @piersmorgan on Kai Havertz at Arsenal, and suggests that Mikel Arteta cannot deal with players with big personalities. #beINPL #AFC pic.twitter.com/Ir2VLe54Jf

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) August 27, 2023

"Under Arteta, Arteta couldn't handle him. It's like Pep Guardiola. Neither can handle big players, big personalities.

He then took to Twitter to add to his argument further, referencing Arteta's comments: "He (Havertz got in great areas but the ball didn't arrive - Arteta.

"Piers Morgan is right. Too clever by half."

Morgan has regularly been critical of Arteta's decisions throughout his tenure as Arsenal boss, and tweeted at the end of the Fulham clash: "Bad result, poor performance, and it's mainly Arteta's fault.

"Tried to be too clever with his tinkering and we paid the price."

Arsenal are next in Premier League action on September 3, when they take on fierce rivals Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.