Arsenal‘s title aspirations took a hit this week with news that Mikel Merino suffered a fractured foot, sidelining him for a significant part of the season.
The injury forced manager Mikel Arteta to scramble for a late January transfer window addition, but the deadline passed at 7 pm UK time with no new midfielder joining the club, leaving the squad as is for the remainder of a crucial campaign.
Merino’s Fractured Foot: A Setback for the Gunners
The diagnosis for Mikel Merino is tough. He sustained a fractured foot, an injury described as uncommon, which means he’ll need surgery this week. The hope is he can return to full training before the season ends, but that’s a long recovery road. Arteta knows how important Merino is.
“I know Mikel is going to do absolutely everything he possibly can to come back as quickly as possible,” Arteta stated. He added, “But as well you have to respect the healing process and the fact it is an injury which is quite rare.” A big loss for a team fighting on all fronts.
Deadline Day Scramble Falls Flat
Merino’s injury triggered a frantic search by Arsenal for a replacement midfielder. Arteta confirmed the club was active, seeking a player to help cover the absence.
He spoke just five hours before the transfer window shut. “Of course… 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 an available player,” Arteta told reporters.
Despite spending a large £250 million on eight new players last summer, Arsenal found themselves empty-handed. ESPN reported that no incoming midfielders were verified before the deadline. Arsenal’s push for a late signing didn’t pan out.
David Ornstein, a trusted journalist, had confirmed Arsenal were indeed chasing a surprise late transfer due to Arteta’s favourite’s considerable period out, according to OneFootball. But nothing materialized.
Tonali Links Dismissed as “Rubbish”
As Arsenal looked for options, reports surfaced linking them with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. Tonali, valued at €75 million, signed for Newcastle in 2023 and had returned to play after a betting ban. He’s made 30 starts this season across 92 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals.
However, Newcastle quickly shut down any talk of a move. On deadline day, sources at Newcastle United dismissed the Arsenal interest as “stupid” and “complete rubbish.” So that was a non-starter.
Arsenal’s Path Forward Without New Faces
With Merino sidelined and no new midfielder, Arsenal must rely on their existing squad depth. This comes as the team competes in the Premier League title race and European competitions.
They topped their Champions League group phase with eight wins from eight. And they just secured a 4-0 win at Leeds, even without Bukayo Saka, who had a hip injury.
Arteta isn’t happy about the situation. He said, “I wouldn’t say relaxed. I think we are on it, and it’s our responsibility… to give ourselves the best opportunity and chance to look at the market.”
Saka’s injury isn’t serious; his availability is pending assessment, Arteta mentioned. “It doesn’t look like something too serious… whether he is going to be available for tomorrow or the weekend, we will see.”
Arsenal has four months left in the season and a lot to play for. They’ll need everyone healthy and performing.
Soureesh Datta 
Ishaan Singh 
Priyanjan Paul