Arsenal are pursuing a move on transfer deadline day after Mikel Merino was ruled out for an extended period with injury and Mikel Arteta has other injury concerns
Scott Trotter Sports Writer and Neil Docking
07:57, 02 Feb 2026
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta's table-topping Arsenal have decisions to make on deadline day
Transfer deadline day is upon us and Arsenal could be propelled into action with just hours left until Monday's 7pm cut-off and business still to be sorted.
The Gunners are a player short after Mikel Merino was sidelined for a lengthy spell. The Spanish midfielder needs surgery due to a foot injury, leaving his team pondering a last-minute transfer. And talisman Bukayo Saka was also injured in the warm-up before the 4-0 win over Leeds, although the extent of his problem is not yet known.
Arsenal increased their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points as both Manchester City and Aston Villa faltered. Mikel Arteta will not want their hard work undone by a lack of squad depth. Here's all the latets news from the Emirates.
Blackburn Rovers' Igor Tyjon plays during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers
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Igor Tyjon has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: (Photo by Trevor Wilkinson | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
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Arsenal bid turned down
Arsenal have had a bid for 17-year-old Blackburn Rovers prodigy Igor Tyjon rejected, reports the Mirror.
According to our sister publication football.london, the Gunners tabled an offer of around £1million for the England youth international forward.
At this point, it's unclear whether the north London club will come back with another bid before tonight's 7pm transfer deadline.
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on January 31, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
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Mikel Arteta has injury issues to cope with at Arsenal(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal had several offers turned down last summer as Rovers were hopeful they could secure Tyjon on professional terms. Now they could lose him in the summer for a compensation fee.
Gunners want loan
Arsenal are reportedly seeking a loan deal on transfer deadline day following an injury to Mikel Merino, as per The Athletic.
The Gunners are 'surveying the market' for short-term cover with uncertainty over when Merino could return. The north Londoners accept that a deal is not guaranteed to materialise, however.
Touching farewell
Oleksandr Zinchenko stands with his hands on his hips
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Oleksandr Zinchenko has joined Ajax(Image: Getty Images)
Oleksandr Zinchenko completed his Arsenal exit on Sunday after returning from a loan at Nottingham Forest.
The former Manchester City star departed for Ajax on a permanent deal, though he is only under contract until the end of the season. The left-back delivered a touching message to the Gunners as the news broke.
"To the Gunners," Zinchenko, 29, 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.
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"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]."