Arsenal landed a deadline day deal after allplaceholder image
Arsenal landed a deadline day deal after all | Getty Images
Arsenal beat the deadline to land a young talent on a permanent deal.
Arsenal may have missed out on one young talent on deadline day, but they still managed to bag themself an England youth international. The Gunners have had a predictably quiet winter transfer window after again spending big in the summer window.
The Gunners spent more than £200million in the summer in a bid to finally end their wait for another Premier League title. Mikel Arteta’s men are on course to pull off that feat, too, currently six points clear of nearest challenger Manchester City.
Arsenal have built a squad with incredible depth, and they might just need that depth, with Mikel Merino having now been ruled out for the season after picking up an injury.
The Gunners are said to have looked into possible replacements, but they were not willing to spend significant money given they would only be looking for a temporary replacement. A free agent deal could yet take place, but the Gunners need a certain quality of player, and it’s unlikely a freebie will come close to replacing Merino.
Fabrizio Romano posted: “EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal agree deal to sign England U19 international Jaden Dixon on a four-year deal. Deal completed for £3.2m plus add-ons. Arsenal view the player as a massive signing beating several clubs to the signings.”
The young centre-back, who can play across the defence, is an England under-19s international and has represented the Three Lions at two prior age groups. He has been included on Stoke’s bench of late but is yet to make a league appearance this season.
He now links up with Arsenal and will likely represent the under-21s for the time being.
Arteta on Arsenal’s deadline day
Arteta was asked on Monday whether the Merino injury impacted their deadline day plans. He responded: “We had the news a few days ago and obviously we are always active in every window that we have just in case something happens. We have the departure of Ethan [Nwaneri] as well to Marseille for the right reasons, I believe, for the club, player and the team.
“Then the news of Mikel [Merino] was very unexpected, obviously, especially for such a long time. So we are actively looking at options and we will continue to do that. My day will be the same as usual, I will be busier and if we have a final solution, I will try to do it, and if we don't, we will continue in the manner that we are now.”
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