Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta transfer repeat eyed as key man out for five matches | Football | Sport

Following their Premier League face-off with Brentford on Thursday, Arsenal will shift their focus to the FA Cup. The Gunners are set to host Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, as Mikel Arteta’s squad aims to maintain their impressive run across four competitions this season. Currently topping the league table and having secured a spot in the Carabao Cup final, the North London side refrained from making any first-team signings in January.

This is due to the belief among Arsenal chiefs that they have the necessary firepower to clinch a major trophy this season, while also saving funds for the summer transfer window. However, injuries pose the biggest challenge to Arteta’s aspirations this term, with another crucial player now facing a prolonged absence. Despite this, Arsenal remain proactive behind the scenes in their quest for additional quality. Express Sport brings you the latest from the Emirates Stadium…

Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on Newcastle sensation Lewis Miley. According to SportsBoom, the Gunners have already dispatched scouts to observe the 19-year-old prodigy in action for the Magpies.

Miley has also caught the eye of Manchester City and Aston Villa, with the report suggesting the three Premier League clubs have earmarked him as a “must-watch” prospect. Newcastle, though, are determined to retain the youngster.

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Eddie Howe has already had cause to rue the sale of midfielder Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest in July 2024 for £35m. Anderson’s exit at the time was driven by Newcastle’s PSR concerns, and they are anxious to avoid a repeat scenario with Miley, in which an academy product develops into a Premier League and England star.

Miley is even more vital to Howe’s plans at present, having featured in 30 matches across all competitions this season. But Arsenal would be wise to monitor Newcastle’s financial position and, should the Magpies be compelled to generate funds, potentially strike in the summer transfer window in an echo of Anderson’s departure.

Havertz injury update given

Kai Havertz is reportedly facing between three to four weeks on the sidelines following his latest injury setback. Havertz missed the second half of last season with a hamstring problem before being ruled out with a knee injury since the opening match of this campaign.

The German had only just returned to action after missing a substantial portion of the season, producing a run of impressive displays, during which he netted twice and registered two assists in seven outings. However, the Mail reports that the adaptable forward will be sidelined for several weeks due to a muscle issue, having already been absent from the Brentford match on Thursday.

Considering the projected recovery period, Havertz could potentially miss the upcoming five matches against Wigan, Wolves, Tottenham, Chelsea and Brighton.