Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal transfer deadline day promise after giving Mikel Merino injury update

Latest Arsenal transfer news as Mikel Arteta gives an update ahead of the end of the window with his side linked with a shock move for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali

Mikel Arteta has offered an intriguing Arsenal transfer deadline day verdict after losing Mikel Merino to injury. The Gunners have been scouring the market for a midfielder since early last week after learning that he would require surgery on a foot injury.

A club statement over the weekend read: "Further to sustaining a foot injury towards the end of our game against Manchester United on January 25, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed Mikel Merino has a bone injury in his right foot.

"Mikel will have surgery in the coming days and will then begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!** Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page**

"Mikel is expected to be out of action for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season. Everyone is fully focused on supporting Mikel to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."

On potential movement after that blow, the Arsenal boss said: "Of course. When you lose a big player in the squad when you're in four competitions you need to do everything you can to see if someone is available. If not, we move on."

Giving an update on the Spaniard, Arteta added: We hope so. He needs to go through a procedure which is never positive. He is a big player for us. It's a big blow. Yes [It's a fracture].

"Let's see, it's a very rare injury. We will have to keep monitoring it."

Recalling Ethan Nwaneri from his loan Marseille was suggested, but that is not an option for the Gunners. Links to Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali subsequently arose, but that looks extremely unlikely.

Ruben Neves also emerged as an option but that is another deal not expected to go through with the midfielder set to sign a new contract at Al Hilal.

Potential signings in attack also looked possible after Bukayo Saka also suffered an injury in the last week, but there is much more strength in depth there and it does look far less serious which makes it unlikely Arsenal look to sign an attacker.

On Saka, Arteta said: "We have to wait. Today he was better, but we have to see how he responds and make a decision.

"It doesn't look like something too serious, whether he's available for tomorrow or the weekend we will see."

Noni Madueke filled in expertly for Saka at Elland Road as he grabbed a goal and assist in the 4-0 victory over Leeds United. However, the hope will be that he is not out for too long especially with Arsenal - as Arteta rightly points out - still competing in four different competitions.