Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed key injuries could force the club to change their transfer plans.
The Gunners were dealt a significant blow in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Fulham after Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off in the first half with a hamstring injury.
Arsenal have since confirmed that Gabriel requires surgery and will subsequently miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
Gabriel is now the fourth member of the Arsenal squad who is currently on the sidelines after having to go under the knife.
Takehiro Tomiyasu underwent his second surgery of the season in February to correct an issue in his right knee, while Gabriel Jesus required an operation after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January.
Arteta makes admission over transfer plans
Like Gabriel, Havertz had to undergo an operation on his hamstring after he sustained the season-ending injury in February.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s away meeting with Everton, Arteta was questioned about how the club’s current injury concerns could affect his plans for the summer window.
“It makes it harder,” Arteta told reporters. “There are some players who will start the season after surgical intervention and that’s always a big question mark.
“We don’t know how capable those players are going to be to sustain congested periods. Let’s see if it affects our transfer plans but we have to be very conscious of that.
“There are a lot of uncertainties in relation to what some of those players are going to be able to cope with, especially for the first five, six months of the season.”
One key area remains a priority
While injuries could impact Arsenal’s plans, one position surely remains a priority for Andrea Berta‘s first transfer window as the club’s sporting director.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a prolific number nine, which has only been exacerbated by injuries to Havertz and Jesus, leaving Mikel Merino to operate as a makeshift striker.
Arsenal will be hoping to sign a forward who could be the difference maker in their efforts to end their long wait for a Premier League title.
