A big Arsenal transfer target has been name-dropped
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on September 18, 2026 in London Colney, England.
Mikel Arteta has been given hope regarding Kai Havertz's injury(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal must wait until after the international break for the chance to respond to their first setback of the season. A 3-0 defeat at Brighton halted an otherwise perfect start, leaving Mikel Arteta with plenty to consider before Leeds United visit the Emirates Stadium on October 10.
The reigning Premier League champions began the 2026/27 campaign with seven straight wins across the Community Shield, league, Champions League and Carabao Cup. Recovering that form is the next task, although preparations depend in part on how Arteta's players come through their international commitments.
A remarkable 17 Arsenal players are currently on international duty. Martin Odegaard has notched two assists for Norway and Christos Tzolis has scored for Greece in the Nations League, while several Arsenal team-mates are set to face one another when World Cup winners Spain take on England this evening.
The immediate concern, though, is Kai Havertz's fitness after the forward's early withdrawal for Germany. Here, football.london rounds up the latest on his injury and an admission from Arteta's coaching staff about a high-profile summer transfer target.
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Kai Havertz injury hope
Kai Havertz of Germany reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Netherlands and Germany at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 24, 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Havertz picked up an issue just 30 minutes into the Germany game(Image: Getty )
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Havertz will return to Arsenal for assessment after suffering an injury during Germany's opening Nations League match against the Netherlands. The 27-year-old forward was forced off in the first half of Thursday evening's 1-1 draw.
His international commitments have been cut short by a suspected hamstring problem following a challenge from Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien. However, The Athletic reports the initial belief is that the injury is not severe, offering encouragement for Arteta.
Havertz is expected back in north London for assessment and rehabilitation. The German has started the campaign as Arteta's preferred striker ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, making his availability an important consideration ahead of the return to club action.
Having missed much of last season, the sight of Havertz going down clutching his hamstring will have been a concern for Arsenal, who now await a clearer picture of his condition.
Vinicius Junior name-dropped
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 26, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr was a target for Arsenal during the summer window(Image: Getty Images)
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Arteta's assistant coach, Miguel Molina, has confirmed Arsenal's summer interest in Vinicius Junior. In late July, the north London club emerged as a potential destination for the Real Madrid winger.
The 26-year-old had just 12 months remaining on his contract and was widely reported to have reached an impasse in talks over a new deal. Arsenal reportedly agreed personal terms that would have made Vinicius comfortably their best-paid player.
However, Real Madrid then unexpectedly offered the Brazilian an improved contract extension until 2032. His decision to stay ended Arsenal's hopes of signing him.
Molina, who joined Arteta's backroom staff in August 2020, was asked about the club's interest during an appearance on Radio Marca ’s La Tribu. He said: "Yes, of course. Obviously, I can't stray from the facts, but he [Vinicius] was a name that was on the table, yes."
Vinicius has since endured a difficult spell in front of goal at the Bernabeu, going almost an entire month without scoring.