It is a big blow for the Premier League title contenders, with Havertz missing 12 league matches last term between February and May last season due to a hamstring problem. Ornstein claims the Gunners recruitment chiefs are exploring the transfer market to potentially reinforce their attack and cover the absence of Havertz.

Eberechi Eze is now expected to join Arsenal after the Gunners came back in for him in the 11th hour, despite agreeing a move in principle to join north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur within the last 24 hours.

Arsenal's stunning coup to snatch Eberechi Eze away from Spurs is a ruthless statement of intent, says BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty

The Gunners are preparing for their second game of the Premier League season, and they got off to a perfect start in terms of coming home with three points. Arsenal travelled to Manchester United with a host of new signings involved, securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori header from a Declan Rice corner.