6 Kai Havertz Replacements Arsenal Can Sign as Arteta Forced to Change Transfer Plans

Mikel Arteta has been handed a massive headache as his Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. The German impressed coming off the bench in a season-opening 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old had bulked up for the new season and looked fresh when he entered the fray and replaced the disappointing debutant Viktor Gyokeres. But Arteta now only has the Swede to call upon up top, with his versatile German forward ruled out, and that means the North Londoners are expected to do business.

Arsenal are reportedly “exploring the transfer market to strengthen and provide cover”. They have previously been linked with several attackers, and they feature in a six-man list of targets who could help Arteta deal with Havertz’s absence.

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Morgan Rogers was immediately linked with Arsenal after news of Havertz’s injury came to light and he’s a glamorous option to replace the German. He was in stellar form at Aston Villa last season, posting 14 goals and 16 assists in 54 games across competitions.

The 23-year-old also offers versatility, which is reportedly why the Gunners had been eyeing him even before Havertz suffered an injury setback. He’s been monitored as a possible signing to hand Gabriel Martinelli competition on the left flank, per The Sun.

Rogers, valued at £80m, has five years left on his contract, so Villa aren’t under pressure to sell, especially after selling Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United for £40m. It’s claimed that Arteta “personally” congratulated the six-cap England international after he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

Premier League – West Ham United v Chelsea – London Stadium, London, Britain – September 21, 2024 Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

There could be an opportunity for Arsenal to replace Havertz with Nicolas Jackson, a player who arrived at Stamford Bridge the same summer the German left the Blues for the Emirates. He has encountered a topsy-turvy time in west London with question marks over his temperament.

Jackson sat out Enzo Maresca’s side’s season-opening 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace due to suspension but he’d likely been omitted anyway. He is seemingly available at £80m, which is a hefty fee, after falling down his manager’s pecking order following the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

The 24-year-old might be a risk worth making for Arteta because he still has room to grow and perhaps a point to prove. He has also fared well in spades during his time at Chelsea, managing 24 goals and 10 assists in 65 Premier League games.

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)

Ademola Lookman has become one of Europe’s most highly-admired attackers during his time at Atalanta, and the Nigerian wants to move on. He has voiced his frustration after his club turned down an offer from Inter Milan, and he is still keen to take on a new challenge before the transfer window closes on September 1.

The 27-year-old does have Premier League experience, having previously had spells at Fulham, Everton, and Leicester City. He could be a superb acquisition for Arteta, with a proven goalscoring resume, having bagged 15 goals in 33 Serie A games last season.

Arsenal are thought to have re-ignited their interest in Lookman, who has two years left on his contract at Atalanta. Born in London, his recent transfer request could aid a potential pursuit.

Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

If you ask most Arsenal fans who their dream signing would be to replace Havertz they’d likely tell you Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. That opinion seems to be shared by Arteta as the Brazilian has been at the top of the club’s wishlist this summer to bolster the left wing.

The problem has been the finances involved in a potential deal for Rodrygo with Madrid asking for around £86m to part ways. There have been suggestions that this valuation could decrease during the latter stages of the window.

Rodrygo was left out of Xabi Alonso’s XI for Los Blancos’ La Liga opening 1-0 win over Osasuna, fuelling talk of a departure. But Arsenal may need to swoop quickly as Manchester City are keen on having him replace Tottenham Hotspur target Savinho.

Lee Kang-In (Paris Saint-Germain)

Arsenal have reportedly made “direct contact” with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential deal for Lee Kang-In and this came before Havertz’s injury. The South Korean is struggling for game time at the Parc des Princes and could be open to leaving for more first-team opportunities.

The 24-year-old is an exciting attacker who has caught the eye despite limited opportunities under Luis Enrique, registering six goals and as many assists in 30 Ligue 1 games last season. He’s not the most prolifi,c but does have a profile that could suit Arteta’s Gunners, boasting impressive playmaking abilities.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Ollie Watkins

Perhaps the easiest deal for Arsenal to make would be Ollie Watkins, who was subject to a failed £60m bid in January. The Gunners moved for the English frontman on that occasion with Havertz sidelined, but couldn’t convince Villa to sell.

Watkins was linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this summer, but the Red Devils decided to sign Benjamin Sesko over the Villa striker. This means the 29-year-old is still an option, although the Villans’ asking price remained at £60m. Arteta knows he’d relish a move to the Emirates because his idol is the iconic Thierry Henry.