Arteta: Arsenal, Eze deal not due to Havertz injury

By Author On Aug 23, 2025

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has decisively stated that the club’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze, the Crystal Palace midfielder, is not a knee-jerk reaction to Kai Havertz’s recent knee injury. Despite Havertz missing key matches due to this setback, Arsenal’s signing of Eze has been a strategic, long-planned move reflecting the club’s ambitious blueprint for silverware, rather than a rushed fix for injury concerns. Eze is set to complete his medical and finalize a deal surpassing £60 million, marking Arsenal’s seventh signing this summer and pushing their total spending past £250 million.

What Arteta Actually Said

Mikel Arteta, in multiple press encounters ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Leeds, articulated clearly that the club’s recent acquisition activities are part of a well-considered plan rather than a reaction to injury disruptions.

Arteta pointed out, “We are not reacting to anything. We’ve been very prepared and understood what we could do, and we decided this is the moment to do it.”
He emphasized Arsenal’s ambition: “We want to be in front of the league, not chasing or reacting or being behind. Every decision that we make is to achieve that.”
Regarding Havertz’s injury, Arteta confirmed the Germany international would miss immediate matches but withheld specifics on the length of his absence, stating further tests are pending.

This clarity from Arteta quashes rumors that Eze’s signing was a direct contingency for Havertz’s knee issue.

Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Strategy: A Major Statement of Intent

Arsenal’s summer spending budget has ballooned dramatically to over £250 million, with Eberechi Eze being the seventh major signing.

Alongside Eze, Arsenal secured notable talents, including Viktor Gyokeres (£55 million) and Martin Zubimendi (£60 million), signaling a purposeful drive to build a title-contending squad.
Eze’s imminent arrival from Crystal Palace—a club where he played a pivotal creative role—adds depth, energy, and creativity to Arsenal’s midfield.
This approach showcases Arsenal’s long-term vision for sustained success, aligning with Arteta’s goal to end the club’s 22-year Premier League title drought and secure major trophies annually.

Havertz Injury: Current Status and Team Impact

Kai Havertz is currently sidelined due to a knee injury sustained recently. Arteta stated he is “certainly not fit” for the near-term matches.
The full extent of Havertz’s injury remains unclear; Arsenal awaits more medical tests to assess his recovery timetable.
This setback is unfortunate timing since Havertz had just returned from a three-month hamstring recovery.
Arsenal’s attacking options are strained, with Gabriel Jesus also injured and Eze’s arrival timed to bolster squad depth and creativity.

Eberechi Eze’s Profile and Role at Arsenal

Eze, once a part of Arsenal’s youth system before being released at 13, now returns as a fully blossomed 26-year-old England international.
Known for his flair, agility, and playmaking, Eze brings a unique passion for Arsenal—a factor Arteta highlighted as essential for new signings: “They must have the desire to be with us and feel something special about coming here.”
His signing is expected to quicken Arsenal’s creative midfield play and offer fresh competition in the attacking squad.
Arsenal fans anticipate Eze’s availability for the Premier League game against Liverpool after the Leeds match.

User Reviews & Fan Reactions

Fans and commentators alike have expressed enthusiasm about Eze joining a squad that’s spending aggressively with purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Was Eberechi Eze signed because Kai Havertz got injured?

No. Mikel Arteta confirmed the club was planning to sign Eze independently of Havertz’s knee injury. The deal had been on the radar long before Havertz’s setback.

How long will Kai Havertz be out?

The precise length of Havertz’s absence is currently unknown. Arsenal is conducting further medical tests to assess the injury’s severity.

How much did Arsenal pay for Eberechi Eze?

The transfer fee for Eze is reported to be around £60-67.5 million, making it one of Arsenal’s most significant signings this summer.

What role will Eze play at Arsenal?

Eze is expected to add creativity and dynamism to Arsenal’s midfield, providing fresh attacking options and helping to maintain the club’s momentum in the Premier League and other competitions.

When can Arsenal fans expect to see Eze play?

Eze is anticipated to be available soon, potentially starting from the Premier League match against Liverpool on August 31, 2025.