Eze’s Signing Wasn’t Reactive – Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that he didn’t sign Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze because of Kai Havertz’s injury. He recently revealed that the signing wasn’t reactive in any way, and fans have been reacting.

Speaking to the press, Arteta shared that he always insisted that the club’s transfer business wasn’t done this summer.

According to him, Arsenal was always open to opportunities before the transfer window closes, so reports saying Eze came in to replace Havertz are wide off the mark.

“I was accurate, I think it was very clear what I said that it [Arsenal’s transfer business] wasn’t done.

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.

On how long Havertz could be out for, Arteta said he still doesn’t know the full extent of the German’s injury.

“Certainly not fit for this match [against Leeds on Saturday]. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury and we don’t really know yet the extent of it. I think we need a bit more time and some more tests and after that we’ll have more clarity about the next steps.

I don’t know [how long he will be out]. The bad scenario is that he can’t play tomorrow. I would love to have him fresh and available and bring what he brings to the team. Unfortunately, that’s not going to be possible,” Arteta said.

Insisting that the aim is to win major trophies every year, the Spanish manager noted that the club has shown a lot of ambition this summer.

He concluded by saying that Arsenal has to compete for all of the trophies on offer this season.

“I think we are showing the ambition that we want to do, that we are here to win major trophies, to keep evolving and improving every single year.

And that’s going to come with demands, and those demands are clear. It’s our competitors, what we’re doing, where the league is going. And we’re going to be in front, not just chasing or acting or behind.

We just want to be in front of it, and every decision that we make in every area of the club is to try to achieve that,” he added.