Kai Havertz suffered knee injury. Arsenal forced into transfer market for a backup striker. Arsenal were given a huge blow last week when their forward Kai Havertz suffered injury to his knee and it has now forced the club in the transfer market to find an attacking replacement.
The absence of the 26-year-old Germany international from Wednesday morning’s open training session at the Emirates Stadium raised eyebrows the moment the news became apparent. The early indication seems to be a knee injury that does not appear to involve the anterior cruciate ligament, although the club continues to assess the injury and the length of time it will take to recover.
Squad Depth Stretched to Breaking Point
This would mark the second significant injury Havertz has suffered in 2025. He suffered a hamstring tear that put him out for 18 matches last season. Now this latest setback leaves manager Mikel Arteta with only one recognized fit striker, new £65m signing Gyokeres. Gabriel Jesus is still on the sidelines and absent from consideration having sustained an ACL injury back in January.
Arsenal fans have painted a mural of Eberechi Eze near the Emirates Stadium, who is set to join the club from Crystal Palace 👀 pic.twitter.com/Lst0HXnBIX
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 21, 2025
Transfer Market Reaction in Full Swing
As a result, the power brokers of the club, led by Sporting Director Andrea Berta, has had to step in quickly here. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Arsenal are “actively exploring the transfer market” in search for some cover. An apparently rapid swoop for Crystal Palace playmaker Eze. Moreover, Arsenal agreeing a £67.5m deal to essentially hijack Tottenham’s move for the England international. Other attacking players being suggested for a move to North London are Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
🗣️Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf CANNOT understand why #Arsenal have hijacked the Tottenham deal for Eberechi Eze: “When you have somebody like Eze do you go for it at £68m when you already have Martinelli, Trossard, Madueke who can play on the left? I don’t know why you also… pic.twitter.com/0iFPz1RsaX
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) August 21, 2025
Title Hopes Hang in the Balance
The injury is a significant blow to a side that wants to win the Premier League. There is still some time within the transfer window. So Arsenal will want to get some attacking options in as soon as possible. They will not to fall behind their rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.