Eberechi Eze is close to joining Tottenham after Arsenal backed out of the race. The England international is expected to start for Crystal Palace in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad on Thursday before sealing a £60m move to Spurs.

Arsenal face Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium in the 5:30 pm kick-off on Saturday. Daniel Farke’s side will arrive buoyed by opening weekend victory over Everton. Then, it’s a huge trip to Anfield for Mikel Arteta’s side on August 31. It remains to be seen whether Havertz recovers in time to face Liverpool but early signs do not look promising.

Tottenham's full focus is on signing the England international and a deal could be struck this week, with Crystal Palace looking at two potential replacements

Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal’s headline summer signing, now carries the burden as the club’s only recognised fit striker. Havertz’s absence leaves Arteta short of depth, with Leandro Trossard offering a versatile alternative and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined with the anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in January.

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.

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However, Liverpool are not yet prepared to meet their £40m valuation for the 25-year-old, something that will concern Reds fans after David Ornstein’s latest update. The Reds usually aim for a defender who is in the age range of 18-22, just like they have done with Giovanni Leoni, although they see Guehi as an exception.