Arsenal Faces Injury Setback, Spurs Transfer Plans Likely to Accelerate

Arsenal has encountered an early-season injury challenge, prompting the club to consider additional signings for their attacking options. The setback involves Kai Havertz, who suffered a knee injury that kept him out of the team’s training session at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz, 26, previously missed significant time last season due to a hamstring issue during a training camp in Dubai. His current injury is now limiting his availability, putting Mikel Arteta in a difficult position as the team searches for consistent goal-scoring threats. With Gabriel Jesus still sidelined after ACL surgery, Viktor Gyokeres remains the only fully fit striker.

The club is reportedly exploring a surprise transfer move for Aston Villa winger Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout season last year and was awarded the PFA’s Young Player of the Year, could provide much-needed attacking support. Villa values Rogers at around £80 million, and interest from Arsenal has intensified following Havertz’s injury.

During last season’s second half, the team relied on players like Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard to lead the attack when Havertz and Jesus were unavailable. Havertz’s injury, which came after a substitute appearance in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United, complicates Arteta’s attacking plans. His versatility—playing both centrally and as a striker—had been seen as valuable, and his absence may prompt further squad adjustments.

In addition to potential signings, Arsenal might need to offload fringe players such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson to fund new acquisitions. Trossard, who joined from Brighton in 2023, is reportedly being offered a new contract with increased wages, although his current deal remains until 2027. The Belgian international has scored 28 goals and provided 23 assists in 124 appearances for the Gunners.