Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal have not swooped for Eberechi Eze because Kai Havertz has suffered a knee injury.
Havertz has been dealing with a knee issue since last Sunday’s game at Old Trafford, which Arsenal won 1-0.
The German will miss Saturday’s game with Leeds, but the full extent of his injury is unknown as Arsenal are still assessing him.
In the meantime, Arsenal have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for Eze worth £60million plus £7.5m in add-ons.
Eze was undergoing his medical on Friday morning and is due to wrap up his move over the weekend.
But Arteta says Arsenal have not simply swooped for the 27-year-old because of Havertz’s injury, referencing how earlier this month he said the club were “actively looking at options” before the transfer window shuts.
“I think it was very clear what I said, that it (Arsenal’s transfer business) wasn’t done,” Arteta said on Friday afternoon.
“Obviously, we were very active, trying to look at the possibilities that could come. We are not reacting to anything, we have been very prepared and understanding what we could. And we have decided this is the moment to do it.”
Arsenal have spent big this summer and the arrival of Eze would take their total outlay during the window to around £250m.
The England star would be their seventh summer signing and Arteta believes it shows the club’s hunger for silverware.
“I think we are showing the ambition that we want to do, that we are here to win major trophies, to keep evolving and improving every single year,” said Arteta.
“And that is going to come with demands, and those demands are clear. It’s our competitors, what we are doing, where the league is going and we are going to be in front, not just chasing or reacting or behind.
“We just want to be in front of it and every decision that we make in every area of the club is to try to achieve that.”
I think we are showing the ambition that we want to do, that we are here to win major trophies, to keep evolving and improving every single year
Arsenal are hoping to get players out the door during the final week or so of the window, with Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Karl Hein and Reiss Nelson among those the club are actively looking to sell.
And, asked if Arsenal’s business would be over after signing Eze, Arteta said: “I don’t know, because to complete the squad we have to see the ins and the outs. There is still a long time in the window.”
