Arsenal eye £9m shock bid for Haaland as Arteta waits

Arsenal are reportedly keen on a shock swoop for Erling Haaland, with a potential £9million fee on the table, while Mikel Arteta has another week before the Gunners host Leeds United in the Premier League.

Why the Norwegian striker fits the Gunners' plan

Club officials are optimistic that there are no long‑term injury concerns for the German‑based forward, despite Kai Havertz being forced off with a hamstring issue in the recent England‑Netherlands match. The belief stems from Haaland’s tentative link to Arsenal should Manchester City be removed from the Premier League,

TEAMtalk adds that Arsenal will assess the situation if the Norwegian becomes available, but also notes that Haaland has not given any thought to leaving the Etihad Stadium and remains focused on challenging for the title.

Broader scouting and squad availability

The extended international break continues with sixteen players away representing their countries, and five Arsenal stars were initially called up to Thomas Tuchel's England squad before Declan Rice withdrew to recover from a congested fixture list.

Arteta is currently sweating over the fitness of Martin Odegaard, Ezri Konsa and Kai Havertz, with the latter’s hamstring issue highlighted as a concern.

In addition to Haaland, Arsenal have joined Chelsea and City in monitoring 16‑year‑old Breno Sales, a Vasco da Gama youngster whose bid of almost £9million was recently rejected in Brazil.

Kristoffer Ajer, Haaland’s Norway teammate, said the striker “has not been affected by the verdict” and “has not changed a bit”, reinforcing the view that the forward remains fully focused on upcoming games.

Should Arsenal secure Haaland for a modest fee, it would provide Arteta with a marquee signing to bolster a squad already stretched by international duties, while Haaland would gain a new platform in the Premier League should Manchester City’s future become uncertain.