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Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Wed 20 August 2025 17:02, UK

Jamie Vardy and Marco Asensio are two names to emerge amid speculation after Mikel Arteta was handed a new injury setback at Arsenal.

After playing just 31 minutes against Man United on Sunday, 17 August, Kai Havertz has picked up a new knee injury for Arsenal, with no news yet of how serious this problem could be for the forward.

The 26-year-old was sidelined for a considerable period last season, not being seen after the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United in February before making his return against the same opponents in May.

He was joined by Arsenal’s exit-linked forward Gabriel Jesus on the treatment table, along with Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka at different stages, but now he could return to the same position.

With Viktor Gyokeres signed from Sporting CP this summer, the blow has certainly been softened, but with the Gunners competing in several competitions, a new loan move or free agent could be targeted.

Concerning Vardy, sources have told The Telegraph (20 August) that the former Leicester City striker has been waiting to see if a big-name Premier League team would move for his signature.

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The 38-year-old once rejected a move to the Emirates in 2016, but he is now without a club after leaving the Foxes at the end of last season.

However, there has been no inclination yet that the Gunners would attempt to sign him as a free agent, with a very similar story emerging on Asensio, who spent the last six months on loan at Aston Villa.

Sources have revealed that they would be surprised if Arteta’s side made a move for the Spaniard, having previously turned down a move for him, but also acknowledged the small target size in the current transfer market.

Jamie Vardy’s stats at Leicester City.

Football Insider verdict

Everton are the latest team to join the race for Vardy, with Celtic and Napoli reportedly interested in the veteran forward, but the Gunners could move ahead of the queue for his signature.

While it is yet unknown how serious Havertz’s injury is right now, Arteta will want to avoid the pressure he felt last season after the Gunners failed to bring in a natural centre-forward for the entire campaign.

Their transfer failings likely played a key role in a Premier League second-place finish and being unable to reach further in the Champions League, with Mikel Merino moved to a centre-forward role.

(Credit Imago)

The interest in Yoane Wissa could also be reignited after Havertz’s frustrating blow, and supporters will be keen for some ambition to be shown before the 1 September deadline.

Noni Madueke is the only other attacking signing, other than Gyokeres, who has not been well received by the supporters after failing to light up Stamford Bridge during his time at Chelsea.

While Vardy and Asensio should not be seen as long-term fixes in the attacking third, their talents would certainly help plug a hole in the squad for the next few months.

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