Mikel Arteta reveals change in Arsenal's transfer plan

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that they are actively scouring the market for options to replace Mikel Merino, who is expected to be sidelined for a lengthy period after suffering a foot injury. 

As Pulse Sports reported, Merino is set for a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious foot injury that will require surgery and rule him out for an extended period.

He sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 3–2 loss to Manchester United, an injury which the club revealed was causing pain in a bone in his right foot and prompted specialist evaluation before it was confirmed he would need an operation. 

As a result, Merino missed Arsenal’s 4–0 Premier League victory over Leeds United, and medical updates suggest he could be sidelined for several weeks to potentially months as he recovers and rehabilitates following surgery.

Speaking ahead of their EFL semi-final clash against Chelsea, Arteta provided additional details on the injury. "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,” he said, per Goal.

“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."

The Gunners have been relatively quiet in the January transfer window, having invested significantly in improving their squad depth in the summer. When asked previously about possible activity in January, Arteta has stated that he is happy with his squad, but maintained that they will react to market opportunities when tthey present themselves.

However, the injury to Merino, which comes after Ethan Nwaneri has left on loan to join Marseille in Ligue 1, has led to a shift in stance, with the Spanish tactician now confirming that they are actively exploring the market for replacements.

“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,” he said.

“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."