Mikel Arteta has asserted that Arsenal ’s impending £60 million acquisition of Eberechi Eze is not a knee-jerk reaction to Kai Havertz ’s recent knee injury. The Gunners’ manager confirmed Havertz will miss Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leeds at the Emirates, though the full extent of the Germany international’s layoff remains unclear.

Arsenal are expected to first look at the loan and bargain basement markets if Kai Havertz is ruled out for a prolonged period of time with a knee injury.

Initial fears of a season-ending ACL rupture have been played down, but Havertz is nevertheless expected to be ruled out for a sustained period, with suggestions of a two-month absence rather than the remainder of the campaign.