Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal have moved swiftly in the transfer market to reinforce their attack following concerns over Kai Havertz’s fitness.
The German international reportedly sustained a knee injury during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, where he replaced Viktor Gyokeres in the 60th minute. Havertz, who has scored 29 goals in 88 appearances since joining Arsenal from Chelsea in 2023, was absent from Wednesday’s open training session, sparking fears of a lengthy layoff.
While initial reports from Teamnewsandtix indicate Havertz has avoided anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage, the full extent of the injury remains under assessment, with his recovery timeline yet to be determined.
In response, Arsenal have accelerated their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze. Transfer expert David Ornstein reports that the 27-year-old England international has expressed a desire to join the Gunners, with negotiations now underway between the clubs.
READ MORE: Arsenal handed slight relief as fresh update emerges on Kai Havertz injury
Arsenal’s interest comes as Tottenham Hotspur were closing in on a deal for Eze, following discussions between Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Palace chairman Steve Parish earlier this week.
🚨BREAKING: Arsenal make move for Eberechi Eze and the player wants the move.
Tottenham lined up deal with Crystal Palace today & player but after Havertz injury Arsenal have made their move.
[@David_Ornstein] pic.twitter.com/059AF9SHzH
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) August 20, 2025
Eze, who scored the decisive goal in Palace’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City last season, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic attacking midfielders. Capable of playing centrally or on the flanks, his creativity and versatility would add a new dimension to Mikel Arteta’s forward options, particularly with Havertz’s availability in question.
Palace have included Eze in their squad for Thursday’s Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad, delaying any immediate transfer resolution. Arsenal are reportedly prepared to meet Palace’s £60 million valuation, though the club has historically been cautious about big-money deals of this magnitude.
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Tottenham, meanwhile, may be forced to seek alternatives should Eze opt for Arsenal. Spurs had targeted him as a replacement for James Maddison, who is sidelined with an ACL injury.
For Arsenal, Eze’s potential arrival carries added intrigue. The Greenwich-born midfielder began his career in Arsenal’s academy before being released as a teenager. A return to north London at this stage of his career would mark a full-circle moment and a major boost to Arteta’s title-chasing squad.
With nine goals in his final 13 appearances of last season, including a strike against Arsenal in a 2-2 draw, Eze has proven his ability to perform at the highest level. His signing would further strengthen an attack already bolstered by summer arrivals Gyökeres and Noni Madueke.
Arsenal face Leeds United at the Emirates this weekend, and Arteta is expected to provide an update on both Havertz’s condition and the club’s transfer plans in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
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