(Credit: Imago)

Oliver Walton

Wed 20 August 2025 16:12, UK

Arsenal could make a shock move for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa as his move to Newcastle stalls following a new update on Kai Havertz’s fitness.

Arsenal to 'get Rodrygo ASAP' - Fans erupt after Kai Havertz injury news	Richard Keys fires dig at Newcastle amid Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa news	Newcastle United see Yoane Wissa deal stall

Wissa’s future has been up in the air over the last few weeks, with a move to St James’ Park in the balance amid the Magpies search for new forwards as Alexander Isak forces an exit.

His 19 league goals helped Brentford to a 10th-placed finish last season, and the Magpies saw their initial bid of £25million [Sky Sports] for him rejected last month, but Newcastle are preparing to return with a second offer for Wissa with the feeling in both camps that a move should happen soon.

Wissa threatened to refuse to play for Brentford again last month after he left their pre-season base in Portugal following Newcastle’s offer, and only returned to first-team training earlier in August following talks with new head-coach Keith Andrews.

The 28-year-old did not feature in the Bees’ season-opener against Nottingham Forest on Sunday (17 August) as he continues to push for a move to Tyneside, but he could instead join the Gunners soon following a new development on Havertz’s injury concerns.

Copyright: Visionhaus

According to The Standard (19 August), Brentford have raised their asking price for Wissa from £50m to £60m, but the Northern Echo (20 August) have since claimed that the Magpies’ chiefs “will not go anywhere near” agreeing a £60m deal for Wissa

Their report states that £40m will be the “absolute upper limit” of what Newcastle would be prepared to pay for him, considering he is in the last year of his contract.

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That leaves the two clubs at a stand-off with a deal unlikely to happen soon, which could allow Arsenal to swoop in for his signature, with The Athletic (20 August) reporting that Gunners forward Havertz is set for a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Their report also states that the duration of the Germany international’s lay-off is currently unclear, but Arsenal are “actively exploring the transfer market” to potentially bring in a new attacker in his absence.

Their search could take them across the capital to reignite their previous interest in the Bees’ star, after former scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in January that Arsenal were closely monitoring Wissa’s situation ahead of a potential move.

They decided against an approach then, and have now signed in-demand striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP this summer, but could now go back in for the DR Congo international with Havertz sidelined.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Wissa has had his heart set on a move to Tyneside, but Newcastle’s reluctance to meet his valuation could put him off the move, and joining potential title-challengers Arsenal would surely appeal despite him likely set to be a back-up option to Gyokeres.

Prevous reports claimed that Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara was lined up to be Wissa’s replacement, and Ouattara is now through the door at the Gtech Community Stadium, so Brentford would seemingly be happy to let Wissa go as soon as possible.

Arsenal themselves should definitely look at Wissa as a shrewd addition following his impressive exploits over the last few years at Brentford, and he would also be able to offer a versatile option out wide for Arteta when he rotates for European and cup games.

Gyokeres struggled to make an impact against Man United on Saturday (16 August), despite Arsenal’s 1-0 win, and he could have been fearing an instant snub from his Spanish boss with Havertz waiting patiently in the wings for his chance.

Jamie Carragher backed Arteta to drop Gyokeres for Arsenal’s clash against Liverpool in two weeks’ time, but the German’s new injury concerns will likely mean that is impossible, and the Swede is set to be given a huge chance to stake his claim going forward.

PlayerAppearancesGoalsAssistsViktor Gyokeres525413Gyokeres’ 2024/25 stats (all competitions)

For him to be written off so early in his Arsenal career seems shortsighted and wrong, especially given that Havertz has hardly set the world alight while up-front under Arteta, hence why they wanted so sign another striker in the first place.

Even if Wissa or any other forward does join soon, Gyokeres is surely set to retain his starting spot in the majority of games this season, with the Gunners pinning their title hopes on his form.

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