Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the club is actively exploring transfer options following a serious injury setback to midfielder Mikel Merino, as the January transfer window nears its deadline. The Spanish international is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured right foot that requires surgery, an absence that could rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Merino has played a vital role for the Gunners this campaign, contributing both defensively and offensively in Arteta’s high-intensity system. His injury comes at a critical stage of the season, with Arsenal still competing across four major competitions and pushing for silverware on multiple fronts.
Speaking to reporters, Arteta acknowledged the urgency of the situation and emphasized the club’s intent to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes on Monday evening.
“We are actively looking at different options and we will continue to do so,” Arteta said. “When you lose a player of this importance with months still left in the season and so many competitions to fight for, we have to explore every possible solution.”
Despite the setback, Arsenal have received a boost with the return of Kai Havertz, who has regained fitness after a spell on the sidelines. The German forward’s availability provides Arteta with added depth and flexibility in attack as the fixtures continue to pile up.
There was also encouraging news regarding Bukayo Saka. The England winger missed Arsenal’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Leeds due to injury, but Arteta played down concerns, describing the issue as minor.
“He was feeling better today,” Arteta said. “We will monitor how he responds, but it doesn’t look like anything too serious. Whether he’s ready for the next match or the weekend, we’ll assess that closer to the time.”
Arsenal remain in a commanding position domestically and in Europe. They sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, have advanced to the Champions League last 16, and are set to face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round.
However, Arteta’s immediate focus is firmly on the League Cup, where Arsenal are aiming to end a six-year wait for a major trophy. The Gunners hold a narrow 3-2 advantage over Chelsea heading into the semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium, a match Arteta considers pivotal to their season.
“The next match is always the most important,” he said. “It’s the closest opportunity we have to reach a final. We need to create the right atmosphere, the energy, and the belief to get over the line.”
As the transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal’s recruitment team faces a race against time to secure reinforcements, with Arteta determined to keep his squad competitive in pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple.
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