EPL: ‘Unacceptable’ – Joe Cole slams Chelsea for selling world-class striker to Arsenal

Former Chelsea striker Joe Cole has criticised his former club for allowing Kai Havertz to leave Stamford Bridge and join Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Cole described the transfer as “unacceptable” after Havertz played a key role in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday.

Chelsea took an early lead through summer signing Morgan Rogers, who scored within the opening two minutes of the match.

However, Havertz responded for Arsenal by scoring the equaliser midway through the first half and helping the Gunners recover from their poor start.

Martin Ødegaard then put Arsenal ahead shortly after half-time, with Chelsea unable to find another goal before the final whistle.

The defeat leaves Chelsea with six points from their opening three league matches, while Arsenal and Manchester City remain the only teams with a perfect nine points.

Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023 for a reported £65 million after an inconsistent spell at Stamford Bridge.

The German forward has since developed into Arsenal’s first-choice striker, moving ahead of £64 million signing Viktor Gyökeres in the pecking order.

Cole believes Chelsea should have done more to prevent Havertz from becoming a key player for one of their biggest rivals.

Cole told Premier League Productions: “I believe that if you have Kai Havertz at your club, you are observing him daily, week after week.

“Coaches and managers may come and go, but the Directors of Football? Consider the substantial amount of money the club has invested in centre-forwards since he departed.

“This situation is simply unacceptable; it must come to an end. It happened with Kevin De Bruyne [leaving]; it happened with Kai Havertz.

“Such transactions never took place at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, nor with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

“When did you hear of them letting go of a player who went on to become world class at one of your rivals?”

Cole’s comments highlight his frustration with Chelsea’s transfer decisions, particularly their history of allowing talented players to leave before establishing themselves elsewhere.

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The former England international believes the club must avoid repeating the same mistakes if they want to compete consistently at the highest level.