Arsenal have reignited their Premier League title charge with vital wins over Tottenham and Chelsea, but Mikel Arteta still has a few problems to solve
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has asked for more information(Image: Getty Images)
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What a week or so it's been for Arsenal. Just when their Premier League title push looked to be wobbling, they bounced back with crucial, statement victories in back-to-back London derbies.
First, they smashed Tottenham 4-1 to end a run of two league games without a win, before clinching a narrow 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday. Yet again, it was their set-piece prowess that made the difference, with both of Arsenal's goals against the Blues coming from corners.
As a result, the Gunners have restored their five-point advantage at the top of the table. Although Manchester City can trim the deficit to two points by winning their game in hand, Arsenal once again look firmly in control of this gripping title race.
Arsenal ace leaves London on jet
One man Arsenal will miss dearly during the run-in is Mikel Merino, who has been a surprisingly reliable source of goals since moving to the Emirates Stadium in 2024. The midfielder, who has been utilised by Arteta as a makeshift No. 9 at times, looks set to miss the rest of the season after fracturing his foot against Manchester United in January.
The Spaniard underwent surgery and has now flown to his native Pamplona to focus on his recovery and continue his rehabilitation near his family and friends.
Merino hopes to make it back in time for the 2026 World Cup this summer, having played a central role in Spain's qualifying campaign.
Mikel Merino in his hospital bed
Mikel Merino successfully underwent foot surgery last month(Image: Mikel Merino/Instagram)
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However, Arsenal reportedly don't expect the 29-year-old to play for them again this season, with the aim being to have him back in first-team training before the Premier League wraps up in May. It's also understood that Merino currently "cannot put weight on his foot" and is facing a lengthy road back to full fitness.
Arteta asks for transfer info
Mikel Arteta has reportedly told Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta to gather information on Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito. The 20-year-old caught Arteta's eye during Arsenal's 3-1 Champions League victory over the La Liga club back in January, potentially opening the door for a future transfer.
Inter's Pio Esposito in action vs Arsenal
Pio Esposito made quite the impression against Arsenal
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According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Esposito both "frightened and fascinated" the Arsenal manager, who has kept him "in his eyes and thoughts" ever since.
The youngster, who has scored three times in five games for Italy, came on as a second-half substitute against the Gunners and, despite failing to get on the scoresheet, turned plenty of heads during his brief cameo.
Last summer, Arsenal splashed £63.5million on marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres, who has led the line for most of the season. But his supposed interest in Esposito suggests that Arteta has one eye on the future.
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