Arteta Responds to Oxlade-Chamberlain Speculation Amid Arsenal Midfield Woes
Mikel Arteta has addressed swirling rumours that he could sign his former Arsenal teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a short-term contract, following confirmation of a significant injury blow to midfielder Mikel Merino. The Arsenal manager refused to rule out the possibility, highlighting the club's urgent need to bolster their options in the centre of the park.
Midfield Crisis Deepens with Merino Injury
The Gunners have been hit with a major setback as Spain international Mikel Merino is set to undergo surgery on a damaged foot, ruling him out for the majority of the crucial run-in period. This injury comes at a time when Arsenal are hoping to end their long wait for major silverware, adding pressure to an already thin squad.
With Ethan Nwaneri unable to be recalled from his loan spell at Marseille, Arsenal now have only Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard as recognised central midfield options. This shortage led to a frantic deadline day scramble to find suitable cover, but the search proved fruitless, with the only arrivals being teenagers Evan Mooney and Jaden Dixon.
An initial inquiry for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali was immediately dismissed, though Arsenal could revisit their interest in the Italy international come the summer transfer window.
Oxlade-Chamberlain Training at Arsenal
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has been without a club since leaving Besiktas in August, has been training back at Arsenal over the last month, fuelling speculation of a potential return. When asked if his former teammate could represent a solution to the squad's lack of midfield depth, Arteta stated, 'We explore every option,' leaving the door open for a possible move.
Arteta Defends Arsenal's Style of Play
Amid criticism in some quarters over Arsenal's perceived reliance on goals from corners and set-pieces—with 14 of their 46 league goals this season coming from corners—Arteta launched a passionate defence of his team's style. He revealed he has a 'massive book of people' who believe his side are the 'most exciting in Europe.'
'I hear completely the opposite, all around Europe that we are the most exciting team in Europe,' Arteta asserted. 'The most goals, the most clean sheets, the most this. Maybe I have different resources? I don't know which people (have said that). You send me the names, the addresses, and the emails and maybe we can talk, but I can give you a massive book of all the people (who don't think that).'
Trophy Ambitions and Carabao Cup Focus
With the 2020 FA Cup remaining the sole silverware of Arteta's six-year reign, the pressure is on to avoid another trophyless season. Arsenal are back in action tonight, looking to protect their slender advantage over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. A potential final against title rivals Manchester City on March 15 looms large, and Arteta believes winning the competition could be a catalyst for further success.
'You work to win many trophies, and the enjoyment that that brings; the confidence, the trust, the belief, and unlock something in you, and then you want more,' he explained. 'And it's a cycle that you want to repeat constantly, and we still have to do that, and some of them, they've never done it, so it's always a first time. But the group is really convinced that we have the ability to do it.'
Arteta also called on the fans to rally behind the team, expecting the crowd to be 'with us' as they push for a place at Wembley. The manager emphasised the need for daily focus and hard work, underscoring the team's determination to achieve their trophy ambitions despite the current challenges.
