Arsenal’s emergency transfer options on deadline day as Mikel Merino surgery update emerges
Arsenal are ready for a transfer deadline day scramble after confirmation that Mikel Merino is set to undergo surgery on a serious foot injury suffered against Man United earlier this month.
The midfielder scored as Arsenal lost 3-2 to Man United, and there was little sign of the suspected broken bone that he was carrying in his foot.
The Spaniard was suspended for the match against Kairat Almaty, but he was missing from the squad on Saturday as the Gunners beat Leeds United.
Merino was deployed as a striker earlier this season, and the 29-year-old is undoubtedly a big loss as an option in that position.
Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus scored as Arsenal beat Leeds 4-0, however, and Kai Havertz‘s return from injury has softened the blow.
Arsenal confirm Mikel Merino blow as options considered
In a statement on Sunday night, Arsenal confirmed that Merino has a bone injury in his right foot and will undergo surgery in the coming days.
The midfielder is expected to be absent for an extended period, with “the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season.“
| Mikel Merino | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Chances created | 12 |
| Tackles | 26 |
| Duels won | 79 |
It has been a frustrating few days on the injury front for Arsenal, after Bukayo Saka also picked up an injury in his warm-up for Leeds.
But the Gunners’ lack of depth in midfield will be concerning for Mikel Arteta, with Merino’s role hard to replace among their current options.
Christian Norgaard and Eberechi Eze would appear to be the natural replacements, but neither player is a box-to-box midfielder like the Spaniard.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is a natural midfielder and is expected to return there at some point, but Arteta has so far been unwilling to use that option.
David Ornstein reported on Sunday that Arsenal are surveying the market for a potential loan as short-term cover for Merino, although there is no guarantee that anything materialises.
Who is available for Arsenal?
At this stage of the window, Arsenal will have to be looking at players either deemed surplus to requirements by their clubs, or desperate to leave.
Funnily enough, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is training with the Gunners following his exit from Besiktas and could be an emergency option if nothing else can be done.
Angel Gomes could present one interesting option, but Arsenal will have to move quickly if they are to hijack the loan deal Wolves have already agreed with Marseille.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also been mentioned as a potential option, with the England international currently playing a bit-part role with AC Milan.
Alternatively, Arsenal could even see the return of a former favourite in Dani Ceballos. The midfielder spent two years on loan at the Emirates Stadium before returning to Real Madrid, and he could be available once again.
The 29-year-old has appeared in just three of Los Blancos’ last nine La Liga games, and surely would not begrudge the chance to return.