Mikel Arteta confirms new Arsenal transfer plan after Mikel Merino injury blow

Gunners ‘actively looking’ for late signing on Deadline Day

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are “actively looking” for a last-minute January signing after losing Mikel Merino to injury.

It was expected to be a quiet Deadline Day at Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal spending big in the summer and no obvious work needed this month.

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But Merino will now miss an extended period with a foot injury after tests with a specialist revealed he required surgery.

Having already let Ethan Nwaneri leave on loan to Marseille , Arsenal's options in midfield have been reduced.

Mikel Merino is facing a spell on the sidelines

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And Arteta says Arsenal are open to a late swoop on Deadline Day should the right opportunity emerge.

Asked if Merino’s injury has changed Arsenal’s thinking over their transfer plans, Arteta said: “Of course. When you lose a big player like this in the squad, you need to look.

“We need to do everything we possibly can to see if we have a player available. If we don't, OK, we keep what we have.

"At this level, you have to bring a player who has the capacity to adapt immediately and impact the team. We need to find solutions and try.

"We are always active in every window we have just in case something happens.

“The news of Mikel was very unexpected, especially for such a long time. We are actively looking at options, we will continue to do that."

Asked if he would be relaxed if Arsenal did not make a signing, Arteta said: "I wouldn't say relaxed.

“We are on it. It's our responsibility to give us the best opportunity and chance to look at the market and then make a decision if it's possible or not."

Arsenal are yet to make any signings in the January window.

The Gunners are in talks with Hearts over a loan move for teenage striker James Wilson, though he would join up with the academy rather than the first-team squad.

On the outgoings front, Oleksandr Zinchenko has joined Ajax and young defender Maldini Kacurri has joined League Two side Grimsby Town on a permanent transfer.