Arsenal could be forced into some late January transfer window action following a significant injury setback to midfielder Mikel Merino, according to a report by journalist David Ornstein in The Athletic.
Gunners Surveying Market for Short-Term Cover
The Gunners are now actively 'surveying the market' for potential short-term loan cover to bolster their midfield options. With the transfer deadline fast approaching at 7pm, the North London club have a narrow window to complete any last-gasp deals that could prove crucial for their Premier League title ambitions.
Mikel Arteta's side remain top of the Premier League table after 24 fixtures, having secured an impressive 4-0 away victory against Leeds United over the weekend. The manager will have been particularly pleased to see title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa both drop points in their respective matches.
Merino Injury Creates Midfield Void
Merino's unexpected injury setback could leave Arsenal potentially short of options in the middle of the park at a critical stage of the season. The 29-year-old Spanish international has become an increasingly important member of Arteta's first-team squad since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium in 2024.
Securing temporary midfield reinforcement would represent a shrewd piece of business for the league leaders, ensuring they maintain sufficient competition and depth in their midfield department to handle the demanding workload of matches across multiple competitions.
Merino's versatility has been particularly valuable to Arsenal this season, with the player capable of operating not only in midfield but also as a striker when required. His absence will be keenly felt by a squad pushing for domestic and European honours.
Merino's Arsenal Career and Injury Timeline
The former Newcastle United and Real Sociedad midfielder has made 77 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions since his transfer, contributing 15 goals - including six this season alone. His career has included spells at Osasuna and Borussia Dortmund before his move to English football.
A club statement regarding Merino's injury confirmed: "Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season. Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."
The player himself addressed the situation on social media, posting: "Time to stop now with a foot injury. Sometimes life throws this kind of challenge when less convenient. Just another opportunity to be strong, resilient and overcome it. We have the best medical team, and together we will come back stronger. Thank you for all the support, it means everything to me."
Deadline Day Possibilities and Immediate Fixtures
As Ornstein has indicated, Arsenal may be compelled to enter the transfer market before the window closes to address their sudden midfield shortage. The timing is particularly challenging given the club's immediate fixture commitments.
Arsenal return to action on Tuesday night with their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners hold a 3-2 advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge as they seek to secure a place in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Reports suggest Arsenal have made a surprise enquiry regarding Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, though any potential deal could prove complicated to negotiate at this advanced stage of the transfer window. The club's recruitment team face a race against time to identify and secure suitable temporary reinforcement.
With Arsenal maintaining their position at the Premier League summit and competing on multiple fronts, Arteta will be keen to ensure his squad has sufficient depth to sustain their challenge through the remainder of the season, making any potential deadline-day business particularly significant.
