Arsenal's Midfield Conundrum Deepens After Merino Injury Blow
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is confronting a significant midfield shortage following confirmation that Spanish international Mikel Merino will be sidelined for an extended period. The club announced that Merino fractured a bone in his foot during training and requires surgery, with recovery expected to take months.
"Mikel will undergo surgery in the coming days before beginning his rehabilitation programme," read an official club statement. "While we hope to see him back in full training before season's end, his absence will be substantial."
Transfer Targets Prove Elusive as Window Nears Closure
This injury has intensified speculation about potential last-minute signings, but several high-profile targets appear increasingly unlikely. Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, previously linked with a move to North London, seems particularly unobtainable.
Newcastle United have firmly rebuffed approaches for the former AC Milan star, with manager Eddie Howe's camp insisting no formal bid has been received. Even if Arsenal were to table an offer, there's no indication the Magpies would entertain negotiations for a player they consider integral to their plans.
Another potential solution, Portuguese international Ruben Neves currently at Al Hilal, also appears distant. Despite Mikel Arteta's longstanding admiration from Neves' Wolverhampton Wanderers days, recent reports suggest the midfielder is considering extending his lucrative Saudi Arabian contract rather than pursuing a Premier League return.
Internal Options and Academy Prospects Take Centre Stage
With external reinforcements proving difficult, Arsenal may need to explore internal solutions. Summer signings Martin Zubimendi and Ebere Eze have already established themselves as regular starters alongside Declan Rice, while Christian Norgaard could see increased minutes during Merino's absence.
Youngster Max Dowman represents another possibility once he recovers from his current injury, with the teenager potentially available by late February. Meanwhile, versatile players already within the squad might be redeployed to fill the midfield void.
German international Kai Havertz possesses experience in advanced midfield roles from his Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen days, while academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly originally developed as a central midfielder before excelling at left-back last season.
Nwaneri Recall Ruled Out Despite Marseille Success
One potential quick fix has been definitively eliminated. Young prospect Ethan Nwaneri, currently on loan at Marseille where he scored on his debut, cannot be recalled despite Merino's injury.
The Telegraph confirms there's no recall clause in the loan agreement, making an early return "impossible" according to sources. Nwaneri himself acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his situation, telling French media: "In football, anything is possible. We'll see what happens and discuss things at the appropriate time."
As the transfer window enters its final hours, Arsenal's midfield reinforcement options appear increasingly limited. While another target could yet emerge, the most likely scenario sees Arteta utilizing existing squad members and waiting for Merino's eventual return rather than making panic purchases.
