Arsenal’s promising start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has hit a snag with the news that star forward Kai Havertz has suffered a knee injury, prompting the club to re-enter the transfer market.
🚨 Arsenal forward Kai Havertz set for spell out with knee injury. Assessments on 26yo Germany int’l at early stage so prognosis + duration unclear but #AFC actively exploring transfer market for signing to strengthen attack & provide cover @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/j2jroAZnXO
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 20, 2025
Injury Details and Impact
The Arseblog News report reveals that Havertz, who scored 14 goals and provided 7 assists in the 2024/25 season, picked up the knee injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United. Initial assessments, conducted after he missed an open training session at the Emirates on August 19, suggest a potential ligament strain, with a full diagnosis pending.
Return to the Transfer Market
The report also suggests interest in Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and a renewed push for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, whose versatility could cover Havertz’s role. The urgency is amplified by financial constraints. Arsenal’s £200 million summer spend, including Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, has stretched their budget, with the Daily Mail on August 19 reporting a new contract offer for an unnamed star (possibly Saka or Saliba) adding pressure.
Sales of Jakub Kiwior (£15-20 million) or other squad members like Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko are now critical to fund a move, with the transfer window closing on September 1, 2025—12 days away.
Essential
If Arsenal want to win the Premier League, the board have to show the necessary ambition by buying a top forward to replace the injured Havertz.