Arsenal's Late January Transfer Hunt Intensifies After Mikel Merino's Injury Blow
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club's urgent need for a late transfer in response to Mikel Merino's injury setback. Dive into the latest updates on Arsenal's transfer plans as they navigate the January window.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club would like to make a late transfer before the January window closes on Monday evening after losing Mikel Merino to injury. The Spain star is expected to be sidelined for some time after sustaining a fractured foot, and Arteta has offered a fresh update on the club's transfer plans on deadline day.Merino has scored six goals for Arsenal this season but may not feature again until May after being ruled out with a foot injury. Arteta has offered an update on the injury, with Merino now set to undergo surgery. He told reporters: "It is a very rare injury so we have to wait and see once we have the surgery, how it reacts daily, obviously monitor it throughout the weeks post surgery and see. I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything he possibility can to come back as quick as possible. But as well you have to respect the healing process and the fact it is an injury which is quite rare."Arteta was also asked if the injury meant that Arsenal could make a late dip into the transfer window. He replied: "When you lose a big player like this in the squad with four months to go and all the competitions to play for, you need to look and we need to do everything we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. If we don't, ok, we keep what we have. At this level, especially for four months, you have to bring a player who has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team. That's not easy but if it was easy, we wouldn't be here so we need to find solutions and try. We had the news a few days ago and obviously we are always active in every window we have just in case something happens. We had the departure of Ethan [Nwaneri] to Marseille [on loan] I believe for the right reasons, for the club, player and the team. And then the news of Mikel was very unexpected, especially for such a long time. We are actively looking at options. We will continue to do that. I think we are on it, and it's our responsibility, when we are playing for what we are playing, to give ourselves the best opportunity and chance to look at the market, every option, evaluate them, and then make a decision whether we do something, if it's possible."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Arsenal have been linked with a move for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, but it has been reported that the Magpies are unwilling to sell the Italy international. The Gunners have already spent big to bolster their squad for the 2025-26 season in the summer, bringing in a host of players including Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Piero Hincapie, and Martin Zubimendi. The signings have helped fire Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, into the last 16 of the Champions League, the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and the fourth round of the FA Cup.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingArsenal have precious little time to make any more signings, with the transfer window due to shut at 7pm in the UK. The Gunners then return to action on Tuesday night for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, leading 3-2 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel Merino's Injury and Arteta's Update
Arsenal's Mikel Merino, a key player this season, faces a significant spell on the sidelines due to a fractured foot. Manager Mikel Arteta provided insights into Merino's injury status, stating the need to carefully monitor the unique situation post-surgery. Arteta acknowledged the challenges of losing such a pivotal player with crucial months remaining in the season, emphasizing the club's determination to explore potential transfer options to mitigate the impact.
Transfer Window Dilemma
Arteta expressed the club's proactive approach in response to Merino's injury, highlighting the necessity of finding a player who can seamlessly integrate into the team's dynamics despite the limited time left in the transfer window. Arsenal's recent departures and unforeseen circumstances, like Merino's injury, have intensified their search for reinforcements, underlining the responsibility to secure the best possible solutions to sustain their competitive edge across multiple competitions.
Target Rumors and Tight Deadline
While Arsenal have been linked with Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, reports suggest the Magpies are reluctant to part ways with the talented midfielder. With time running out in the transfer window, the Gunners face a race against the clock to finalize any potential deals before the window slams shut. The club's recent successful signings have propelled them to the summit of the league and various cup competitions, adding urgency to their quest for suitable reinforcements.
What's Next for Arsenal
As Arsenal hurry to navigate the final hours of the transfer window, their immediate focus shifts to the high-stakes clash against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. Holding a narrow advantage from the first leg, Arteta's side aims to consolidate their position and clinch a spot in the final, further highlighting the need for swift and effective transfers to bolster the squad for upcoming challenges.
