Mikel Arteta claims Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze pursuit wasn’t motivated by Kai Havertz injury after beating Tottenham to Crystal Palace star

Arteta confirmed Havertz will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leeds due to a knee problem, though his recovery timeframe remains unclear. Reports suggested Eze’s arrival was accelerated following the news, with the player absent from Crystal Palace’s Conference League qualifier on Thursday. Eze has reportedly already completed his medical but is thought to have missed the deadline to make his debut this weekend.

Speaking to the media, Arteta said: “Obviously, we were very active trying to look at the possibilities that could come. We are not reacting to anything; we’ve been very prepared and understanding what we could do, and we have decided this is the moment to do it.”

“We are showing the ambition that we are here to win major trophies and to keep evolving and improving every single year, and that comes with demands, and those demands are clear. And we want to be in front in the league, not just chasing or reacting or being behind, but in front of it, and every decision that we make in every area of the club is to achieve that.”

Eze is set to become Arsenal’s seventh summer signing, taking their total outlay to £250 million. His arrival follows the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, underlining the Gunners’ determination to assemble a title-winning squad. The 26-year-old England international leaves Palace after being their talisman and adds further creativity to Arteta’s midfield.

Arsenal will hope to have Eze registered in time to feature in the Premier League clash against Liverpool on August 31, with the Gunners facing Leeds at the Emirates this weekend. With Havertz sidelined, Eze could quickly become a key figure in Arteta’s plans.