Arsenal’s emphatic 5–0 win over Leeds on Saturday should have underlined its title credentials. Instead, it left Mikel Arteta grappling with an early-season crisis after Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both limped off injured.
Saka, who missed four months last season, was forced off with what Arteta described as a “significant” hamstring problem, via The Athletic. Odegaard, meanwhile, departed with a shoulder issue.
With Liverpool up next, the timing could hardly be worse. Both players will undergo scans this week, but there are fears Arsenal could be without two of its most influential figures for a prolonged spell.
The double setback compounds an already stretched squad. Kai Havertz remains out with a knee injury, Gabriel Jesus is recovering from an ACL problem and defenders Ben White and Christian Norgaard are also sidelined.
For a side intent on challenging Liverpool for the Premier League crown after back-to-back wins, including a 1–0 victory on the road at Manchester United, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious.
That is why the £60M ($81.1M) signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, rising to £67.5M ($91.2M) with add-ons, is so significant. The England international brings creativity and versatility while being capable of operating both centrally and wide.
Arteta revealed Eze personally reached out to the club to push through the move, a determination that helped Arsenal beat Tottenham to his signature.
Even with Eze secured, Arsenal may not be finished. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has emerged as a potential target, with the 23-year-old impressing last season by registering 14 goals and 16 assists. A move this summer appears unlikely, but the Gunners are closely monitoring his progress with a long-term view.
For now, Eze is expected to shoulder much of the creative responsibility, with further support from Noni Madueke, Leandro Trossard, teenager Ethan Nwaneri and 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman.
Big-money striker Viktor Gyokeres leads the line, but Arsenal’s depth will be severely tested if their talismanic wide man and captain remain unavailable.
The dilemma for Arteta and sporting director Edu is whether to act again before the transfer window closes. Injuries have already forced one high-profile signing, while more setbacks could compel further business.
Arsenal has the resources and ambition. The challenge now is to ensure that the right reinforcements arrive in time to keep a title bid alive.
