Arsenal are set to be active on transfer deadline day as they go in search of a deal with just hours remaining of the winter window, following Mikel Merino's injury
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta might want another player(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Transfer deadline day has arrived and Arsenal could be thrust into action. Just hours remain before Monday's 7pm deadline and there is work to be done.
The Gunners are down a man after Mikel Merino was ruled out for an extended period. The Spaniard requires surgery following a foot injury and his side have been left to mull a late move.
The weekend saw Arsenal extend their advantage atop the Premier League to six points as Manchester City and Aston Villa both slipped up. Mikel Arteta will not want to see their efforts wasted through lack of depth.
With little business so far in the winter window, exits are also possible as Arsenal search for the best opportunities for their young stars. Ethan Nwaneri has already gone on loan, but could they now wish he was back?
Arsenal bid rejected
Arsenal have seen a bid for 17-year-old Blackburn Rovers starlet Igor Tyjon rejected. The Gunners offered a package in the region of £1million, according to our sister title football.london.
At this stage, it is not clear whether the north London side will return with a further offer to get a deal done before tonight's 7pm transfer deadline. Arsenal saw multiple proposals rejected last summer as Rovers were optimistic they would be able to tie Tyjon down to professional terms.
Now they could lose him in the summer for a compensation fee.
Blackburn Rovers' Igor Tyjon plays during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers
Igor Tyjon has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Arsenal for the January transfer window(Image: (Photo by Trevor Wilkinson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
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Gunners want loan
Arsenal will pursue a loan deal on transfer deadline day following the injury to Mikel Merino, according to the Athletic.
The Gunners are 'surveying the market' for short-term cover with uncertainty over when Merino could return. The north Londonders accept that a deal is not guaranteed to materialise, however.
Touching farewell
Oleksandr Zinchenko completed his Arsenal exit on Sunday after returning from a loan at Nottingham Forest. The ex-Manchester City star departed for Ajax on a permanent deal, though he is only under contract until the end of the season.
Zinchenko delivered a touching message to the Gunners as the news broke.
"To the Gunners," Zinchenko said in an Instagram post. "I will never forget the way you welcomed me. Still remember the goosebumps I got at the first game after hearing your 'Always beliiiiiieeeve'. I couldn't even dream about it.
"From the deepest place in my heart I would like to say a massive thank you for everything that you have done for me and my family.
"To the coaching staff, thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of this amazing club. To the players, thank you for the priceless experience, fantastic memories and becoming friends for life. To all the staff, thank you for your help and for looking after me and my family.
"And of course to the fans, for love, support and criticism which we as a players need to accept and work even harder. I just want to wish you all the best and hope you achieve everything what ever you wish. Once a Gunner always a Gunner. Thank you. @arsenal [love heart emoji]."
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