Arsenal ‘exploring transfer market’ as devastating injury blow confirmed

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 20 Aug 2025 12:29 BST
• 4 min read

Breaking

Arsenal have been forced back into the transfer market following an injury blow to Kai Havertz that promises to have a devastating impact on Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Havertz failed to train on Wednesday due to the issue and The Athletic reports that no prognosis has been made as to the severity of the Germany international’s problem.

David Ornstein, meanwhile, does state the Gunners are “actively exploring the transfer market”, suggesting that the North London club are bracing themselves for the worst-case scenario.

Current ETV

Kai Havertz

F (C)

Arsenal

Kai Havertz

F (C)

Arsenal

€59.4M

ETV Range

€53.4M - €65.3M

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Arsenal have already signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP this summer for €65 million, but at the beginning of the window, there was ambition from Arteta to further bolster their ranks.

The Gunners have been looking at various options in terms of signing an attacking midfielder, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze notably targeted. With Tottenham closing in on the England international, it appears this chance might have passed the Emirates club by.

Arteta has previously explored signing Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, so this could be an avenue that is explored in the days ahead.

Gunners short on firepower

If Havertz’s injury proves serious, it will leave Arsenal seriously short of cover in attack and potentially facing a repeat of last season, with Mikel Merino was used as a makeshift No.9 for a sustained period.

Gabriel Jesus is already missing due to an ACL problem sustained in January, and there is no prognosis for the Brazil international to return to the field any time soon.

The German, meanwhile, has already suffered his share of injury problems this year. He spent a long portion of the last season on the sidelines after a hamstring issue picked up in February. This is the injury that prompted Merino to be used in a more advanced role.

Arsenal do have Gyokeres to shoulder the burden this time around, but after a slow start against Manchester United, the Swede could really use some trusted support.

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