Arsenal could sign four players to replace Kai Havertz including audacious transfer
Arsenal could sign four players to replace Kai Havertz as they scramble for a replacement ahead of next month's transfer deadline.
Arsenal opened their Premier League campaign with a hard-fought win over Manchester United.
Riccardo Calafiori scored the only goal of the game as he headed home from close range after Altay Bayındır fumbled Declan Rice's corner.
While the performance would not have pleased Mikel Arteta, winning when you're not performing at your best is a hallmark of a championship-winning team.
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But Arsenal's pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004 has been dealt a crushing blow following Havertz's untimely injury.
According to David Ornstein, Havertz is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Assessments are at an early stage so the prognosis and duration of any lay-off is unclear.
Per Ornstein's report, Arsenal are 'actively exploring' the market to potentially bring in a replacement to cover for Havertz.
With the September 1 deadline fast approaching, SPORTbible has identified four players Arsenal could sign to replace the German.
Eberechi Eze
Eze is set to leave Crystal Palace this summer, with a move to Tottenham expected.
But Arsenal could try and hijack the transfer as he would be an ideal option to replace Havertz in what would be an audacious signing.
Eze, who is set to command an initial fee of £55 million, would be a perfect foil behind Viktor Gyokeres, who struggled in front of goal against Man United.
It would be an even sweeter acquisition if they could stop him from joining their neighbours.
And, after all, he is an Arsenal fan.
Ollie Watkins
Talking of Arsenal fans.
Watkins could be another option, having pursued the Aston Villa forward during the January transfer window.
He could finally realise his dream if the Gunners reignited their pursuit.
"That's the dream to play for Arsenal one day," said Watkins, who was playing for Brentford at the time.
The chances of Villa selling Watkins so close to the window slamming shut appears unlikely, but a deal could help Unai Emery's side comply with PSR (Profit and Sustainability Regulations).
Rodrygo
Arsenal have been long-time admirers of Rodrygo, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer.
Rodrygo would represent a huge addition to Arteta's squad and the perfect cover for Havertz given his play-making ability in the final third.
Talks have cooled in recent weeks but following the injury to Havertz, Arsenal could attempt to sign him before the deadline.
Ademola Lookman
Lookman has been on the books of several English clubs, having rose to prominence at Charlton Athletic.
But he failed to get going at Everton, Fulham and Leicester City until he found his feet at Atalanta, where he helped them win the Europa League in 2024, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen.
A transfer to Inter Milan had been mooted but a deal is now off after the two teams were unable to strike a deal.
Arsenal could pounce and put together a package for Lookman, with Fabrizio Romanao claiming the Premier League is an option.
Topics: Arsenal, Kai Havertz, Football, Ollie Watkins, Rodrygo
Nasir Jabbar