Arsenal
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It has been a whirlwind day at the Emirates Stadium, with concerns overKai Havertz’s fitness coinciding with Arsenal’s rapid move to secure Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and fresh transfer interest emerging in Gabriel Martinelli.
Havertz reportedly sustained a knee injury during Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, where he came on for Viktor Gyokeres in the second half. The German international, 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 potential layoff.
Initialreports suggest the 25-year-old has avoided serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage, but the full extent of the injury remains under assessment, with no fixed timeline yet for his return.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano gives Eberechi Eze to Arsenal deal a ‘here we go’
In response, Arsenal have accelerated their pursuit of attacking reinforcements. Transfer insiderDavid Ornstein reported that Eze expressed a desire to join the Gunners, and just hours laterFabrizio Romano confirmed a verbal agreement had been reached.
Arsenal are set to pay a package worth over £60 million for the England international, who was also a leading target for Tottenham Hotspur.
Exclusive 💣
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 clubs are circling around Gabriel Martinelli.
One club ready to pay £80m + for his services.
The option is there if @Arsenal decide to cash 💷 in. pic.twitter.com/lJt6suHsDf
— indykaila News (@indykaila) August 20, 2025
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to Gabriel Martinelli, with Saudi Pro League clubs circling the Brazilian winger. According toIndykaila News on X, one club is preparing an offer in excess of £80 million, more than double Arsenal’s current record outgoing transfer fee.
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Martinelli, 24, remains central to Mikel Arteta’s project, contributing eight goals and four assists in the Premier League last season. With two years left on his contract plus an option for another year, Arsenal are not actively seeking a sale. However, club sources acknowledge that “every player has a price,” and a bid of such magnitude could test the club’s resolve.
Fan opinion is split, with many insisting Martinelli is vital to Arsenal’s title ambitions, while others view the potential windfall as a chance to reshape the squad. Possible replacements linked include Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.
As the transfer window edges towards its September 1 deadline, Arsenal face major decisions on both injury cover and squad balance. Arteta is expected to address the futures of Havertz and Martinelli ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leeds United.
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