Arteta Corrects Transfer Eze To Arsenal: Not Related To Havertz's Injury

Mikel Arteta straightened out the transfer of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta emphasized that Arsenal's attempt to sign Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze was not a response to Kai Havertz's latest injury.

Eze is expected to undergo a medical examination ahead of a 67.5 million move from Crystal Palace after Arsenal cornered Tottenham Hotspur in a dramatic day midweek.

Havertz missed an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, morning local time, around Spurs' time to finalize a deal with Crystal Palace and Eze. At that time, Spurs believed they had won the race to get their signatures.

At the same time Havertz is being investigated further to determine how severe the problem is amid fears he will be out for months.

Along with Havertz's investigation, Arsenal actually increased their interest in Eze and equalized Tottenham's offer to the player's love for the Gunners since childhood, which helped direct his decision to their side.

Not surprisingly, the situation had sparked speculation that Arsenal's transfer activity was holding Spurs due to Havertz's injury. However, Arteta denied it.

"I am accurate, I think it is very clear what I said that (Arsenal's transfer process) has not been completed."

"Obviously we are very active trying to consider possible possibilities. We didn't react to anything, we are very ready and understand what we can do. We have decided this is the time to do it," Arteta said on Friday, August 22, 2025, at ESPN.

The arrival of Eze will be the seventh signing of the club this summer, which saw their spending exceeding 260 million.

"I think we show the ambition we want to do that we are here to lift prestigious trophies, to continue to grow, and increase every year."

"It will come with demands. The demands are clear. It's about our competitors, what we're doing, where the league will move."

"We will be in front, not just chasing or acting or lagging behind. We just want to be in front. Every decision we make in every area of the club is to try to achieve it," said Arteta.

Meanwhile, Arteta further does not know how long Havertz will be absent. What is clear is that the German player is reasonable in missing the match against Leeds United on Saturday, August 23, 2025, WIB night.

"Obviously not fit for this match (against Leeds on Saturday). Unfortunately, he was injured and we don't know how badly he was injured".

"I think we need more time and a few more tests. After that, we will get more clarity about the next steps."

"I don't know (how long will he be absent). The worst scenario is that he can't play tomorrow."

"I want him to be fresh and ready to play, and contribute to the team. Unfortunately, it is impossible," said the Spaniard.

Christian Norgaard will also be out for another week, while Ben White and Jurrien Timber will be assessed ahead of Leeds' visit to Emirates Stadium.