Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino missed the Gunners' victory over Leeds due to a foot injury and the club are now considering an emergency deadline day transfer move
19:38, 01 Feb 2026
Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta could make a deadline day signing
Arsenal could make a last-minute swoop in the transfer market due to concerns over Mikel Merino's injury. The Gunners' midfielder was notably absent from their victory over Leeds, having picked up a foot injury prior to the trip to Elland Road.
The Spanish player is set to see a specialist about the issue, with Mikel Arteta confirming that the former Real Sociedad star will be examined. Speaking on Saturday, Arteta revealed: "He's got an issue in his foot. It's a bone that's giving him some pain, and we have some exams, we need some more specialists to look at it and to see how long he will be out."
According to the BBC, the extent of Merino's injury should become clear within the next 48 hours. There are worries that Merino could be out of action for several weeks during Arsenal's Premier League title push.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Mikel Merino of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Mikel Merino could be sidelined from several weeks(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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With barely 24 hours left of the transfer window, this injury puts Arsenal in a tricky spot. The North London club will need to decide whether they're happy with their midfield depth, especially as Merino also offers an alternative option upfront.
As per talkSPORT, the Gunners are mulling over a move as they figure out how to manage without Merino's six goals and three assists from 33 appearances.
Arsenal were also without Bukayo Saka for the Leeds match due to an injury. The England winger had to be replaced before kick-off after encountering a problem during the warm-up.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Mikel Merino of Arsenal looks dejected during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Merino missed the win at Leeds due to a foot injury(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Arteta hinted in December that Arsenal must be prepared to move in the transfer market to tackle unexpected problems or opportunities.
"The window is there and I mean we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it, 'Okay, what do we need?'" Arteta said.
"And we have to be actively looking and then, whether we can do it or not, that's a different story. But our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully it'll be very positive.
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"When you look across the other clubs, they have 24 or 25 squad players. Although we have had more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable.
"We want to be better and we know how important the part of having the right availability with players is going to be this season."