Arsenal transfer deadline day twist emerges after Mikel Arteta sparked into hunt after new blow

A quiet winter transfer deadline day has been transformed by an injury to Mikel Merino as work has begun behind the scenes

Transfer deadline day was supposed to be a pretty quiet affair for Arsenal Football Club; however, A twist in the tale has emerged, and suddenly the club is on alert for any potential opportunities, much more so than they were several days before. An injury suffered by Mikel Merino has sparked the club into action.

There is no guarantee that the Gunners will indeed bring any players in before the deadline on February 2; however, there is an understanding that the significance of the situation regarding the Spanish midfielder is serious enough that it has prompted a response.

Currently, Arsenal have 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri on loan with Marseille. It is unclear whether the young England international can be recalled from this loan deal. Nor if the club would wish to do such a thing, considering the importance of the youngster getting regular game time, which even in the absence of Merino is not guaranteed at Arsenal.

Nwaneri is not exactly a like-for-like replacement for Merino, either, who can play as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder, box-to-box and even a defensive midfielder if needed. The return of Kai Havertz means Mikel Arteta has three available options up top, but both the German and Gabriel Jesus’ injury statuses this season will not leave any amount of confidence in the continued availability of either.

Christian Norgaard has been barely utilised this season, while Eberechi Eze’s minutes have not been as prevalent of late. Both could certainly help share the burden of Merino’s absence.

football.london understand that the Arsenal became aware of Merino’s injury several days ago, although the extended length of time he is expected to miss has only more recently come into frame. The problem is that the window is not forthcoming with obvious candidates of serious quality at any stage, let alone with mere hours left.

There is also consciousness of the UEFA Financial Fair Play restrictions surrounding the club, making it difficult to bring summer ideas forward to this winter. Andrea Berta, the sporting director, has already displayed clever methods of bringing in quality without committing financially early.

Piero Hincapie joined on loan with an option, rather than an obligation to buy, in the summer, and while it is expected the move will be made permanent, the fee will be relevant on the club’s books for the following summer’s business.

It is Merino’s ultra-versatility, experience, quality and impact in the biggest of games that makes him so difficult to replace. Mikel Arteta is due to face the press early this afternoon ahead of the League Cup semi-final second leg clash with Chelsea on Tuesday where he is expected to be asked on the matter.