Arsenal have "completed" a deal worth £3.2m plus add-ons for an England U-19 international, according to Fabrizio Romano, which the Gunners view as a "massive signing".
Arteta confirms Arsenal are active on deadline day
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal are “actively looking at options” to replace Mikel Merino in the closing hours of the transfer window.
Merino is set to be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a fractured right foot which requires surgery.
Arsenal already boast one of, if not, the strongest Premier League squads after spending £250million across eight players in the summer.
But Arteta said the club, whose trophy aspirations were derailed by injuries last season, do not want to take any chances.
The versatile Merino, who sustained the injury in Arsenal’s defeat against Manchester United last month, has scored six goals in 33 appearances this season.
Mikel Merino in action for Arsenal
And speaking ahead of the second leg of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea, where his side hold a 3-2 aggregate lead, Arteta said: “We are actively looking at options and we will continue to do that.
“When you lose a big player like this 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 a player is available, and if not, we keep what we have.
“You need a player that has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team and that is not easy, but if it was easy we wouldn’t be here, so we need to find solutions and try.
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Arsenal are reportedly in talks to sign a serial title winner who could be a dream replacement for Mikel Merino.
“Yes, we have more depth now (than last season) but for seven months we have not because we have had players out. We know the demands and we need players because we play every two to three days.
“I wouldn’t say I am relaxed. We are on it. It is our responsibility.
“When we are playing for what we are playing for, we need to give ourselves the best opportunity and chance to look at the market, every option, evaluate them, and then make a decision if we can do something, if it is possible.”
Arsenal agree Jaden Dixon signing
While they are yet to make any improvements to the senior squad, the Gunners have wrapped up a deal for a promising young talent.
"Arsenal agree deal to sign England U19 international Jaden Dixon on a four-year deal," Romano said.
"Deal completed for £3.2m plus add-ons. Arsenal view the player as a massive signing beating several clubs to the signings."
Dixon is an 18 year-old defender who plays for Stoke City in the Championship. He has made six senior appearances for the Potters after joining the club from Tottenham's academy.