Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka is backing Kai Havertz for success with the Gunners.

After a slow start, Havertz is beginning to prove himself in an Arsenal shirt.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Xhaka told The Athletic: "I know what it's like for Kai, when people on the outside are a little bit nervous and the fans get restless. He just needs to stay calm.

"It's a new position for him and it takes time to fully understand Mikel's philosophy, but he's getting better all the time and his confidence is coming back now.

"Everyone knows his potential but having the confidence of your club, your manager and your team-mates is everything. You always need that backing.

"Arsenal supporters sometimes can take a bit of persuading to change their minds, but at the end, I won them around.

"I hope for Kai that he will do the same, and that the critics will eat their words."