Mikel Arteta is open to signing a Mikel Merino replacement, with a former Arsenal player one option under consideration as the transfer deadline nears
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Mikel Arteta hasn't dismissed the possibility of signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as a temporary replacement for the injured Mikel Merino. The ex-Gunners star has been training with the under-21s for the past few months to regain his fitness, but he did participate in a first-team session at the end of January.
The 32-year-old has been without a club since departing Besiktas last summer, and when asked if he was an option, Arteta simply replied: "We explore every option."
With Merino expected to be sidelined for a considerable time due to a foot injury sustained in the defeat to Manchester United that requires surgery, Oxlade-Chamberlain could be the ideal solution for Arsenal.
Earlier in his press conference, when questioned about recruiting a new midfielder, Arteta said: "Of course. I mean, 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.
"We need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. And if we don't, we keep what we have."
"At this level, especially for four months, you have to be a player that has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team. That's not easy. But if it were easy, we wouldn't be here. So, we need to find solutions and try."
The bulk of Arsenal's press conference focused on transfer speculation, with Arteta refusing to rule out any late signings.
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino is now sidelined for a few months(Image: Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)
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When questioned about whether funds remained after such substantial spending, he replied: "We have the responsibility to do that. It is true that we have done certain deals, but nothing different to the top clubs, I don't think.
"We have to see where are the parameters. We have to have the options and then present them and then: is it possible, yes or no?"
He continued: "We are on it. It's just the fact you want to make the right call with the right player because we really want to improve the team if we can. If not, we don't do it."
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reacts
Mikel Arteta has spoken honestly about Arsenal's transfer deadline day plans(Image: Greig Cowie/Shutterstock)
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Despite also picking up a knock, Bukayo Saka isn't anticipated to be sidelined for long with the problem he experienced during the warm-up at Elland Road.
Regarding Saka's fitness, Arteta stated: "We have to wait. Today he was better, but we have to see how he responds and make a decision.
"It doesn't look like something too serious, whether he's available for tomorrow or the weekend we will see."
Arsenal possess greater attacking depth to manage his potential absence, with Noni Madueke demonstrating this by netting a goal and providing an assist in the 4-0 victory over Leeds United. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli can also operate on the right flank.