Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal fans to give Kai Havertz some ‘love’, comparing his situation to initial scepticism of midfield maestro Martin Odegaard.

Havertz has received a mixed reception from supporters, with some voicing frustrations during the 2-2 draw with Fulham.

It mirrors the split opinion on Odegaard during his initial loan from Real Madrid in 2021.

But Arteta, who revealed he used 36 formations against Fulham, is adamant the Germany attacker will come good. He said: ‘I see his qualities every day in training. His work-rate is excellent, a lot of things he has brought to the team are good.

‘His football brain, how he understands when to move, how to move, when to stay, when to run, it’s phenomenal.

Mikel Arteta called for fans to have patience with new signing Kai Havertz after a mixed start to the season

‘We have some very beautiful examples in the last years of players who we have given a lot of support to and got behind and they have felt that love and just exploded.’

Arteta named Odegaard, Ben White, Gabriel and Aaron Ramsdale as players who have thrived and improved. ‘Bukayo Saka was left back and now he’s right wing, we have so many good examples,’ the Gunners boss said.

‘Players have to love what they do and they do that when they feel supported.’

Arteta also backed Thomas Partey, who has been playing right back instead of in midfield.