Arsenal eye bargain replacement after Havertz injury

Arsenal faces a potential forward gap after Kai Havertz suffers a knee issue, with Mitrovic linked as a low-cost option.

Arsenal eye bargain replacement after Havertz injury

Arsenal are weighing options after Kai Havertz sustained a knee injury in the win over Manchester United. The Athletic reported the issue and Arsenal have not released an official update on the severity. Havertz was absent from the latest training session, prompting talk of a new forward before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is mentioned as a bargain target. He could become a free agent if Al-Hilal terminates his contract, a move that would require around €25m to settle the remaining terms. If that happens, Arsenal could sign the 30-year-old without a transfer fee and add depth while Havertz recovers. Mitrovic's scoring record at Fulham is strong, but his move from Saudi Arabia would need careful integration into the Premier League.

Injuries expose a team’s depth and a transfer market can swing quickly when a window is closing. Arsenal may need more than one plan to cover Havertz’s absence, and a quick fix risk can clash with long-term squad building.

Chasing a free agent can save money on a transfer fee but not on risk. Mitrovic brings goal scoring but at 30 and with an unsettled club situation, Arsenal must weigh performance gains against the price of disruption.

Highlights

The next steps will show if Arsenal sticks to a measured plan or chases a quick fix.